Now Challenge Your Traffic Fines: Here’s How

Drivers can now challenge traffic or transport-related fines online, within 45 days of receiving the challan, following new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The move comes as only 38% of e-challans are currently being paid across various states and union territories, partly due to leniency in some regions.

Timeframe to Challenge a Fine
You have 45 days from the date of the challan to submit a challenge via the centralized portal echallan.parivahan.gov.in, along with relevant documentary evidence. Failure to do so within this period will be treated as acceptance of the fine. The penalty must then be paid within 75 days of the challan issuance, either online or offline.

What’s New in the System
Earlier, unpaid fines after 90 days automatically went to virtual court. However, court cases did not prevent delays in vehicle or license-related services such as RC transfer, DL renewal, duplicates, NOC, or PUCC. Under the new system, challans will not automatically go to court, allowing citizens to resolve disputes directly with authorities.

How to Challenge a Challan
Once submitted, the officer will review your evidence within 30 days. If satisfied, the officer may cancel the challan, with the decision documented and uploaded on the portal. If rejected, the officer must provide written reasons. Payment must then be made within 30 days of the officer’s order.

If Unsatisfied with the Officer’s Decision
You may appeal in court by paying 50% of the challan amount. If neither payment nor appeal occurs within 30 days, the challan will be treated as accepted, and the remaining amount must be paid within 15 days.

Consequences of Non-Payment
Unpaid fines trigger daily notices. Until the fine is cleared, licensing and registration authorities will not process your applications, except for tax-related matters. The DL or vehicle will be flagged “Not to be Transacted”, with automatic notifications sent to the owner.

Applicability
The rules apply to compoundable challans payable on-site or via portal. Non-compoundable offences remain under court jurisdiction, though proposals under Jan Viswas Bill 2.0 aim to make most non-compoundable offences compoundable soon.

Challan Issuance and Delivery
Authorized police or transport officials may issue physical or electronic challans. Physical challans are delivered within 15 days, and electronic challans within 3 days. All challans are recorded chronologically on state and central portals.

Challenges Ahead
The system aims to improve compliance and traffic discipline. However, some states have yet to appoint officers to review complaints, which remains a key implementation challenge.