What is e-challan?
An e-challan is a digitally generated fine slip issued by traffic authorities for breaking traffic rules. This system is part of a larger initiative to digitise and simplify traffic law enforcement by replacing the traditional paper-based challans. With e-challans, traffic violations are instantly recorded, and fines can be quickly paid online.
The e-challan system is connected to platforms like the Parivahan portal and state-specific websites, allowing individuals to check their e-challan status, review past violations, and make secure payments. This digital approach boosts transparency, improves accountability, and enables quicker resolution of fines, significantly reducing the need for manual processing.
How Does the System of e-challan Work?
The e-challan system is a digital solution for managing traffic violations, designed to make enforcement easier and more transparent. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Detection of Violation: Traffic violations are detected in two ways: manually by traffic officers using handheld devices or automatically through CCTV cameras installed at key intersections and roads. These devices capture critical details such as the vehicle registration number, violation type, location, and time of the incident.
- Issuance of e-challan: Once a violation is recorded, an e-challan is generated electronically. Officers input the violation details into their devices for manual detection, instantly creating the e-challan. For violations detected by CCTV, the system processes the footage, verifies the violation, and links the e-challan to the vehicle’s registration number and the registered mobile number of the owner.
- Notification to the Violator: After issuing an e-challan, a notification is sent to the violator via SMS, including details of the violation, the fine amount, and instructions for payment. This ensures that the violator is informed and aware of the next steps.
- Tracking and Payment: Violators can track their e-challan status on platforms like the Parivahan portal, state-specific websites, or apps such as ACKO. By entering their vehicle or challan number, they can view pending fines and make payments using net banking, debit/credit cards, or UPI.
- Payment Confirmation: A digital receipt is generated upon successful payment, and a confirmation message is sent to the violator’s mobile number. The system updates the status of the challan in real-time, marking the violation as resolved. This digital receipt serves as proof of payment, and it can be downloaded or printed for future reference.
Advantages of Paying e-challan in Punjab
Paying e-challans in Punjab offers numerous benefits, making it easy, efficient, and accessible. This system promotes road safety compliance, reduces paperwork, and encourages a smoother payment experience for citizens.
- Time-Saving and Convenience: The e-challan system enables citizens to pay traffic fines quickly from any location through the Punjab Police website, Parivahan portal, or mobile apps. This removes the need for physical visits to police stations, saving valuable time and reducing hassle.
- Round-the-Clock Accessibility: Available 24/7, the e-challan system allows violators to make payments at their convenience, without needing to follow office hours. This flexibility ensures that fines can be paid whenever it’s convenient for the user.
- Increased Transparency: Each e-challan provides clear details of the offence, including the date, time, and location of the violation, which promotes fairness and minimises disputes. This transparency helps violators understand the charges and encourages compliance.
- Multiple Payment Options: The system offers various payment methods, such as debit/credit cards, UPI, and net banking, making the payment process accessible and secure. Avoiding cash transactions simplifies the experience and helps ensure that fines are paid on time.
- Paperless and Environmentally Friendly: The e-challan system’s paperless process supports environmentally friendly practices by eliminating the need for printed challans. This digital approach aligns with Punjab’s commitment to sustainability and modern traffic management solutions.
How to Check e-challan Status in Punjab
If you need to check the status of your e-challan in Punjab, several convenient platforms are available. The following are the steps for using platforms like the Punjab Government Portal, the Parivahan Website, and the ACKO App to verify your e-challan status.
1. Punjab Government Portal
You can quickly check the status of your e-challan through the official PunjabPolice website. Here’s how:
- Go to the IFMS Punjab Government Portal.
- Select the "e-Receipt" menu option, then click on "Register User".
- Log in using the credentials you’ve just created.
- Choose "Create a New Profile" and enter the relevant department and treasury details.
- You’ll now be able to view all pending e-challans associated with your account.
2. Parivahan Website
The Parivahan Sewa portal from the Government of India is another platform to check your e-challan status. Follow these steps:
- Access the Parivahan e-challan portal at echallan.parivahan.gov.in.
- Click on Check Challan Status on the homepage.
- Enter your vehicle number, challan number, or driving licence number to retrieve your e-challan details.
- The portal will show information on any violations, or fines, and will provide payment options if needed.
3. ACKO App
If you’re looking for a more mobile-friendly option, the ACKO app provides an easy way to check your e-challan status. Here’s how to use it:
- Open the ACKO App on your mobile device.
- Navigate to the Traffic Challan section in the app’s menu.
- Enter your vehicle registration number or driving licence details to view your e-challan status.
- The app will display a summary of any pending e-challans and provide a simple option to pay directly within the app.
How to Pay e-challan in Punjab
Paying your e-challan in Punjab is quick and convenient, with multiple online platforms available. Citizens can settle their fines through the Punjab Government Portal, the Parivahan website, or third-party apps like ACKO. Be mindful of e-challan scams, where fraudsters send fake messages or emails requesting payment. Always confirm the authenticity of any communication before making a payment. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use each platform for e-challan payments.
Punjab Government Portal
The Punjab Police website lets you pay your traffic fines quickly and efficiently. Follow these steps:
- Go to the IFMS Punjab Government website.
- From the menu, select "e-Receipt" and then click on "Register User" to create an account.
- Log in using the credentials you created.
- Choose "Create a New Profile" and enter the required department and treasury details.
- You’ll now be able to view your pending challans. Select the ones you’d like to pay and complete the payment for your e-challan in Punjab.
Parivahan Website
The Government of India’s Parivahan Sewa website is another reliable platform for paying Punjab traffic fines. Here’s how you can use it:
- Visit the Parivahan website.
- Enter your vehicle number, challan number, or driving licence (DL) number.
- Click "Get Details" to view your e-challan information.
- Review your outstanding challans, choose those you want to pay, and proceed with the payment.
ACKO App
You can also pay for your e-challan using popular third-party apps like ACKO for a more user-friendly experience. The steps are similar across most apps:
- Open the ACKO App and log in.
- Go to the "Recharge & Bill Payments" section, then select "Challan" or "Traffic Violation Fine".
- Enter your vehicle registration or challan number and tap "Search".
- The app will display any outstanding fines; select the challan you wish to pay.
- Complete the payment using your preferred method, such as debit/credit cards, UPI, or wallet balance.
- After the payment is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation within the app and an SMS for verification.
Traffic Fines in Punjab (for Two-Wheelers & Four-Wheelers)
Punjab traffic authorities enforce strict penalties to ensure adherence to road safety regulations. These fines are intended to deter violations and encourage responsible driving behaviour. The table below highlights common traffic offences in Punjab, along with the penalties for first-time and repeat violations.
Offence Description | Section of Law | Notified Fine (First Offence) | Notified Fine (Subsequent Offence) |
| Failure to produce a Driving Licence (DL) on demand (for two-wheelers and four-wheelers) | s.130(1) /177 | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
| Driving without DL / Expired DL / DL not specific | s.3/181 | ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Underage driver without DL | s.4/181/1 99A | Non-compoundable | Non-compoundable |
| Offense committed by Juvenile | s. 199A | Non-compoundable | Non-compoundable |
| Allowing unauthorised persons to drive vehicle | s.5/180 | ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Holding more than one DL | s.6/177 | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
| Learner driving without an instructor with DL | r.3(1)(B)/ s.177 | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
| Learner driving without displaying L Plates | r. 3(1)(C)/ s.177 | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
| Without/Expired Registration Certificate (Two-Wheeler) | (Two Wheeler) s.39/192 | ₹3,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Without/Expired Registration Certificate (Other Vehicles) | s.39/192 | ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Road tax not paid | s.177 | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
| Plying transport vehicles without fitness | s.56/192 | ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 |
This table outlines specific violations under the Indian Motor Vehicle (IMV) Act and the associated fine amounts in Punjab. Traffic violations are taken seriously in the state, with penalties designed to improve road safety and promote responsible driving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the e-challan system in Punjab plays a crucial role in streamlining traffic management by promoting transparency, efficiency, and accountability. By digitising issuing and paying fines, the system simplifies traffic enforcement, reduces paperwork, and ensures timely notifications for violators. This encourages responsible driving behaviour and timely payment of fines, helping drivers avoid additional penalties and legal consequences. Overall, the e-challan system contributes to safer roads and a more organised approach to traffic regulation in the state, benefiting both the authorities and the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
