Who Needs This Service?
Any vehicle owner or driver in India who has received a traffic challan for violating traffic rules needs this service. E-challans are issued for violations like overspeeding, signal jumping, not wearing helmet/seatbelt, driving without valid documents, illegal parking, and permit or fitness issues for commercial vehicles. Both two-wheeler and four-wheeler owners across all Indian states can check and pay their e-challans online.
What is e-Challan?
An e-challan is a fine imposed by traffic police on individuals who violate traffic rules in India, issued under the Motor Vehicle Act 1988. The e-challan system was initially rolled out in 2016 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to ensure strict enforcement of traffic laws and streamline traffic management. When a violation is detected via CCTV, ANPR camera, or by a traffic officer, the vehicle registration number is matched via the VAHAN or RTO portal to identify the owner, and the system issues the challan in electronic form.
Required Documents
To check and pay your e-challan online, you need:
- Vehicle Registration Number (e.g., DL01AB1234) – Mandatory for checking challan by vehicle number
- Challan Number – If you received an SMS or physical notice with the challan number
- Driving License (DL) Number – Alternative option to check challans linked to your license
- Mobile Number – For OTP verification (must be registered with your vehicle in VAHAN database)
- Payment Method – UPI, Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking for online payment
Step-by-Step Online Process to Check e-Challan
Method 1: Through Parivahan e-Challan Portal (All States)
Step 1: Visit the official e-Challan portal at https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/
Step 2: On the homepage, click on “Check Online Services” dropdown menu from the top navigation bar
Step 3: Select “Check Challan Status” from the dropdown options
Step 4: You will see three search options:
- Challan Number
- Vehicle Number
- DL (Driving License) Number
Step 5: Select your preferred option (Vehicle Number is most commonly used)
Step 6: Enter your vehicle registration number in the correct format (e.g., DL01AB1234 – no spaces between state code and numbers)
Step 7: Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen
Step 8: Click on “Get Details” button
Step 9: The system will display all pending challans with details including:
- Challan number and date
- Type of violation
- Location of violation
- Fine amount
- Payment status (Paid/Pending)
Method 2: Through mParivahan Mobile App
Step 1: Download the official “mParivahan” app from Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS)
Official App Name: NextGen mParivahan by NIC eGov Mobile Apps
Step 2: Open the app and register/login using your mobile number
Step 3: Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
Step 4: On the home screen, scroll down to find “Challan Services” section
Step 5: Tap on “Check Challan Status”
Step 6: Enter your vehicle registration number or DL number
Step 7: The app will display all pending and paid challans with complete details
Step 8: You can view violation type, date, time, location, and fine amount for each challan
How to Pay e-Challan Online
Payment Through Parivahan Portal
Step 1: After checking your challan status on https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/, you will see pending challans
Step 2: Click on the challan you want to pay
Step 3: Verify the challan details carefully (vehicle number, challan number, fine amount)
Step 4: Click on “Pay Now” or “Pay Online” button
Step 5: You will be asked to verify your mobile number through OTP
Step 6: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number
Step 7: Select your payment method:
- UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.)
- Debit Card (Visa/MasterCard/Rupay)
- Credit Card (Visa/MasterCard)
- Net Banking
Step 8: Complete the payment through the secure payment gateway
Step 9: After successful payment, download and save the digital receipt immediately
Step 10: You will receive a confirmation SMS on your registered mobile number
Note: After payment completion, it typically takes up to 7 days for the payment status to be updated in the system.
Payment Through mParivahan App
Step 1: Open mParivahan app and check your challan status
Step 2: Select the pending challan you want to pay
Step 3: Tap on “Pay Now” option
Step 4: Verify your mobile number with OTP
Step 5: Choose payment method (UPI/Cards/Net Banking)
Step 6: Complete payment and download receipt from the app
State-Wise e-Challan Portals
While the central Parivahan portal works for all states, some states have their own dedicated portals:
Delhi
Portal: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/ (select “Check Delhi Traffic Challan”) Features: Separate options for traffic challans and traffic notices
Maharashtra
Portal: https://mahatrafficechallan.gov.in/ Authority: Additional Director General of Police (Traffic) Maharashtra State
Karnataka (Bengaluru)
Portal: Karnataka One – www.karnatakaone.gov.in Path: Online Services → Police → Pay Traffic Violation Fine Special Feature: For Bengaluru, you can access the Bengaluru Traffic Police portal where you enter your registered mobile number and OTP to view all pending challans associated with your vehicle
Madhya Pradesh
Portal: https://echallan.mponline.gov.in/ Online payment of Madhya Pradesh traffic e-challans available anytime and anywhere through Android-based mobile application and web portal
Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Other States
Virtual Courts portal (https://vcourts.gov.in/) provides access to traffic department e-challans for multiple states including Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal
How to Check Payment Status and Track Application
Check Payment Status After Payment
Step 1: Visit https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/
Step 2: Click on “Check Online Services” → “Check Pending Transaction”
Step 3: Enter your challan number or vehicle number
Step 4: Enter captcha and click “Get Details”
Step 5: The system will show the transaction status (Success/Failed/Pending)
Check Failed Transactions
Step 1: Visit https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/payment-verification/re-double-verification
Step 2: Enter your transaction details
Step 3: Submit to check if the transaction failed or is pending
Offline Payment Options
If you prefer to pay offline, you can:
Option 1: Traffic Police Station
- Visit the nearest traffic police station with your challan notice
- Provide your vehicle registration number or challan number
- Pay the fine amount in cash at the counter
- Collect the payment receipt for your records
Option 2: Karnataka One/Bangalore One Centers (Karnataka)
Visit the nearest KarnatakaOne or BangaloreOne center in your city where you can pay via cash, demand draft, cheque, or online methods
Option 3: Bank Counters (State-Specific)
Some states allow payment at designated bank branches. Check your state traffic police website for details.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Payment Debited But Challan Shows Pending
Cause: Payment gateway sync delay, server issues during transaction, or poor internet connection
Solution:
- Wait for 24-72 hours as payment gateways typically reconcile transactions automatically within this period
- Check your challan status daily on the portal
- If payment remains unpaid after 7 working days, contact the payment gateway customer care or email your UTR number to the traffic department
- Save your bank statement showing the debit and transaction reference number
- Do NOT make another payment until confirmed the first one failed
Problem 2: “Transaction Pending from Bank” Error
Cause: Session timeout, network issues during payment, or payment gateway errors
Solution:
- Go to the e-challan Parivahan portal and click on “Check Payment Status” option to verify the transaction
- Wait 24 hours before attempting another payment
- Clear browser cache and cookies, then try again
- Use a different browser or device for payment
- Ensure stable internet connection during payment
Problem 3: Challan Not Found or Incorrect Vehicle Number
Cause: Incorrect entry of vehicle registration number, typing errors, or data sync delay
Solution:
- Verify the vehicle registration number by cross-checking with your RC (Registration Certificate)
- Enter the number in correct format without spaces (e.g., DL01AB1234, not DL 01 AB 1234)
- Some portals may require spaces – try both formats
- If you received an SMS notification, use the exact challan number instead
- Wait for 24-48 hours if the violation was recent
Problem 4: Wrongly Issued Challan
Cause: Incorrect vehicle number captured by camera, duplicate entry, or you were not at the violation location
Solution:
- Visit the official Parivahan website and click on the “Complaint” tab to reach the grievance page
- Select the wrongly issued challan and provide necessary information describing why the challan is incorrect
- Upload supporting documents/evidence (e.g., proof you were elsewhere, correct vehicle documents)
- Submit the complaint and note down the complaint/ticket number for tracking
- Check complaint status regularly using the ticket number
- Collect supporting documents like RC, driver’s license, insurance, and payment receipts to prove ownership during the resolution process
Problem 5: OTP Not Received for Payment
Cause: Mobile number not updated in VAHAN database, network issues, or incorrect number registered
Solution:
- Ensure your mobile number is registered and updated with your vehicle in the RTO database
- Update your mobile number through the Parivahan portal if needed
- Check if your phone has network connectivity
- Wait a few minutes and request OTP again
- Try using the mParivahan app instead of the website
- Contact your RTO to update mobile number if necessary
Important Points to Remember
- If an e-challan remains unpaid for 60 days since its issuance, it automatically gets transferred to the virtual court
- Always download and save payment receipts for future reference
- Ignoring a traffic challan can lead to late penalties, court summons, driving license suspension, and even vehicle seizure in repeated cases
- Over 8 crore traffic challans are issued every year in India, and unpaid challans can lead to higher penalties over time
- Carry valid documents while driving: DL, RC, insurance, and PUC certificate
- The e-challan refund process ensures that failed or duplicate payments are automatically traced and reversed within 3-7 working days
Documents You Must Carry While Driving
To avoid e-challans during routine checks:
- Driving License (DL) – Valid and appropriate for vehicle class
- Registration Certificate (RC) – Original or DigiLocker digital copy
- Insurance Policy – Valid motor insurance papers
- PUC Certificate – Pollution Under Control Certificate (valid)
- Fitness Certificate – For commercial vehicles
- Permit – For commercial vehicles operating outside home state
Official Helpline Numbers and Contact
National e-Challan Helpdesk
Phone: 0120-4925505
Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (All Days) Email: helpdesk-echallan@gov.in Website: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/policy/contact-us
mParivahan App Technical Support
Email: helpdesk-mparivahan@gov.in Phone: 0120-2459171 Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Parivahan Sewa General Helpline
Toll-Free: 0120-4925505 Learner License Queries: 0120-2459169
State-Specific Helplines
For state-specific issues, visit your state traffic police website or RTO website for local helpline numbers.
File Complaint/Grievance
Portal: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/gsticket/
- Click on “Complaint” tab
- Fill in challan details and describe your issue
- Upload supporting documents if needed
- Submit and note the ticket number for tracking
Safety Tips: Avoid Fake e-Challan Websites
- Always use official government portals only
- Verify the website URL starts with “https://” and has “.gov.in” domain
- Never share OTP or banking details on unofficial websites
- Download mParivahan app only from official Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Be cautious of SMS links claiming to be e-challan notifications – verify on official portal first
- Report fake websites to cyber crime portal (cybercrime.gov.in)
Conclusion
The e-challan system has made traffic fine management transparent, convenient, and corruption-free across India. By following this guide, you can easily check and pay your traffic challans online from home without visiting police stations or RTO offices. Always carry valid documents while driving, follow traffic rules, and settle any pending challans promptly to avoid legal complications.
This information is from official government sources as of February 2026. Always verify on the official Parivahan portal (https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/) or your state traffic police website for the latest updates and state-specific procedures.