How to file a complaint against an incorrectly issued traffic challan

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) created the eChallan, or digital challan mechanism to ensure that drivers do not skip paying the traffic fines. The eChallan portal is a respite from the time-consuming physical challans (the process of fines and paying them). In this scenario, either strategically placed cameras or traffic police personnel spot the traffic violation, and then send the eChallan to the vehicle's registered phone number. However, since the cameras and the traffic police spot violations while the vehicle is on the move, there are instances where the wrong vehicle or individual is fined, we will guide you on how you can submit an eChallan complaint to rectify the error.  

What is an eChallan complaint?

Identifying traffic violations through cameras and enabling traffic police personnel to issue eChallans in a simpler and quicker way has helped bring many violators on the right course. Errors in noting the vehicle number, however, can occur due to either technical or human error.

The eChallan system is not a strict one-side checking mechanism. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways also gives vehicle owners a way to submit a complaint against wrong traffic challans that may have been issued to them. 

Just like an eChallan can be issued online, you can also register the complainant online, but there are specific steps and requirements to follow.

How to file an eChallan complaint? 

Many wonder how to challenge a traffic challan if it has already reached the court; however there is a 60-day window to pay the fine post the issuance of eChallan. In case that a wrong eChallan was issued against your name, you can submit a wrong challan complaint during this time period.  

To register an online challan complaint, visit the Parivahan eChallan website (https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/).

• On the top menu panel, click on ‘Complaint’.  
• You will be directed to the grievance system for eChallans. 
• Once here, you can fill in your personal details, along with the challan number and driving licence number.
• You will also see a drop-down menu that includes options for the type of error that you wish to complain about.
• If none of the options are relevant to your situation, you can choose the 'Others' option in the drop-down.
• Once submitted, you will get a one-time password (OTP) on the registered mobile number. 
• You will then be given an eChallan complaint number or ticket number. This will be used for all communication, or processes related to your complaint. 

Required information to lodge an eChallan complaint

Your eChallan Parivahan complaint will not be accepted if it does not have the required details. Here are some points you must remember to keep in mind before filing a challan complaint.

• Challan number: This is the number mentioned on the challan along with the amount, vehicle owner name, and other information. 
• Reason: You must provide a detailed explanation of why you believe the eChallan is incorrect. 
• Proof: You will need to provide proof to show why the eChallan is wrong. This can be in the form of images, video clips, or even statements of the witnesses. When submitting a complaint, include proof details. The authorities may or may not accept your proof.
• Driving Licence Number: This should be the driving licence of the person in whose name the vehicle is registered or the person in whose name the challan has been issued.

 Also Read – New Traffic Rules and Fines in India

How to check eChallan complaint status? (step by step)

To check your traffic challan grievance status, follow these steps:

• Visit the Parivahan website's grievance page, where you submitted your complaint (https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/gsticket/).
• Next to the submit button, you will see the ‘Track Status’ button. 
• You will then be directed to a new page where you will have to fill out your eChallan complaint number and a captcha. 
• Click ‘Check Status’ to see your eChallan grievance status. Next, you can determine whether the grievance was accepted or rejected.   

Legal considerations in eChallan complaints

When you receive an eChallan, you must keep the following legal considerations in mind:

1. You must pay the fine for an eChallan, or any other type of traffic challan, within 60 days of the eChallan’s issuance. Please note that a wrong challan complaint can only be submitted within this 60-day window.
2. If you feel that an eChallan has been issued incorrectly, you cannot simply refuse to pay the fine. The correct way to address this is by registering a complaint. Importantly, it must be noted that refusing to pay the fine can lead to summons to attend court and on failure to attend court, it can lead to a suspended licence.  
3. We recommend consulting a lawyer for eChallans related to matters such as drunk driving and other serious offences.
4. In the case of repeat offenses, we recommend seeking legal advice.

Also Read – Traffic Fine for Jumping Red Light Signal

Important points to keep in mind

1. Do not contest an eChallan if it is not wrongly issued. The provision to submit a complaint against an eChallan is meant for instances where a person has been wrongfully fined and is not a means of escaping the fine. 
2. Visit the nearest police station to find out more details about your challan complaint, in case there is an error in the submission platform, or if your status is not updating. We recommend doing this to avoid overstepping the 60-day payment/complaint window.

eChallan complaint number

The Parivahan website is a centralized portal that allows citizens to access many facilities, including submitting an online challan complaint. Along with the online submission (detailed above), there is a mParivahan helpline number where individuals can call either for inquiries or complaints.

Phone number: +91-120-4925505 

IVRS: 4 (for eChallan related concerns)

Email ID: helpdesk-echallan@gov.in
Check Your Challan in Your City/State and Pay Online

Conclusion

The eChallan process not only makes the process of fines easier for authorities, but it also enables citizens to question incorrect challans. Though some people may view the camera recordings or images as a hindrance, the real purpose is to ensure that all road users follow all traffic rules, and maintain a safe environment for drivers, as well as, pedestrians. Hence, not only should we make sure to raise a complaint against a wrong challan, but also ensure timely payment of the fine, or better yet, avoid getting an eChallan at all! 

FAQ

Q. How to cancel a wrong traffic challan?

Visit the Parivahan eChallan website (https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/) to register a complaint against an incorrect eChallan. 

Q. How to challenge a challan in UP?

The Parivahan website hosts a centralised grievance system that allows individuals to challenge incorrect eChallans. Individuals from any state can file a complaint by going to the Parivahan eChallan website (https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/).

Q. How can I check my fine details in Parivahan?

The Parivahan eChallan website provides a feature that allows users to verify the details of a ticket. This includes vehicle details, images (if any) of the violation, the reason for the eChallan, fee amount, and other important details.

Q. Can I pay a traffic challan online in Haryana?

On the Parivahan eChallan website, you can pay for all traffic challans using a debit card, UPI, net banking, and other online payment methods.

Q. How can I provide evidence for my complaint?

While submitting the complaint for the wrong eChallan, you can write a description of why you think this is a wrong challan and attach proofs, such as images, videos, or witness statements (if any) to validate your claim.  

Q. What happens after I submit a complaint?

The authorities may take up to 15 days to provide you with a status after you submit your complaint. After submission, you will receive an eChallan complaint number or e-ticket number, which you can use to check the status of your complaint to see if it was accepted or rejected.

Q. Can I appeal if my complaint is rejected?

If your complaint is rejected on the grievance system, you can write an email to the centralized email ID, helpdesk-echallan@gov.in. Ensure that you explain your reason for contesting the challan in detail, along with attaching all the relevant proofs.  

Q. How long does it take to resolve a complaint?

The authorities can take up to 15 days to respond on the status of a complaint.