E-Challan Maharashtra

Every motor vehicle driver in India must comply with the regulations laid down by the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. If someone does not obey the rules, they are liable to pay a corresponding fine. Thus, a challan is an official document issued by traffic police to a motor vehicle driver if the latter is found disobeying traffic rules and regulations in India.

For example, riding a two-wheeler without a valid licence or bike insurance policy is punishable. So, a challan may be issued if caught without valid insurance or a licence. The penalty for each offence varies, but you must pay the penalty within a stipulated period. Hence, having motor insurance is a prerequisite for every motor. It must be purchased to abide by the laws and your vehicle's safety. The best way to purchase insurance is to compare two-wheeler insurance on various parameters and then select the one based on your need and budget.

With digitalisation taking over almost every aspect of our lives, the Government of India initiated an electronic challan facility for all states. It used the Electronic Challan System for issuance. The state traffic police issue e-challan to all the traffic defaulters in the state.

The main aim of implementing e-challan in Maharashtra was to ensure transparency, attempt to switch to a more reliable and fast processing method, and strictly monitor and control the motorist to reduce cash transactions. Moreover, e-challan in Maharashtra RTO offers the facility to pay the penalty online or offline, depending on the city.

The e-challan system is an effective way of notifying penalties to traffic violators in the country. The information on the e-challan of any state typically remains the same. Maharashtra traffic police challan consists of the following information:**

Reason for issuance: The e-challan mentions why the governing authority issues the challan, that is, the main reason for issuance. For example, if the offender violates a traffic rule like jumping a red light, riding a bike without a helmet, driving without wearing a seat belt or with valid insurance, etc., an e-challan may be issued.

Vehicle details: The vehicle details, like the registration number, along with some basic description like the colour, model etc., of the vehicle, is also mentioned in the challan.

E-challan unique identification number: Every e-challan has a unique reference number. This number also helps in tracking the challan.

Location and time details: The electronic challan system has several benefits; one among these is that it includes the location and time stamp at which the offender has violated the law.

Penalty amount: Finally, the challan displays the penalty amount the violator must pay. The penalty may vary depending on the offence.

Payment instructions: The e-challan consists of detailed information on payment instructions like how to make payment, the validity of the challan, subsequent fine in case of non-payment within the validity etc.

Contact details: It also includes the basic contact details of the concerned authority in case of any queries or complaints.

The e-challan system in Maharashtra helps maintain traffic rules and regulations by penalising the offenders for not following the rules.

Across the state, the Maharashtra traffic police have installed several CCTV cameras at prominent places and highways.

These cameras capture footage immediately relayed to the traffic department or the concerned authority. This footage is used for issuing e-challan and may be recorded and saved for future reference.

Hence, even in the absence of a traffic cop where the violation of rules occurs, the CCTV camera can capture the offence, and actions can be taken accordingly.

The captured CCTV footage enables the traffic cops to identify the offender and the necessary details required to charge the same with a relevant penalty. The cops send the vehicle registration number and other details to the RTO office for identification, and the RTO then provides the complete details of the driver or rider.

Once the traffic police receive the complete details of the offender, including the contact details and address, they issue a Maha RTO challan or e-challan against the offender. The e-challan is typically shared on the offender's registered mobile number, and it includes information like the purpose of issuance of the challan, date, time and place where the rule was broken, the fine imposed etc.

The offender is expected to pay the penalty amount mentioned in the e-challan online or offline. However, it must be noted that the fine must be paid within a given due date to avoid any further consequences.

To check e-challan in Maharashtra, you are not required to visit the traffic police station, it can be done online by following a few simple steps. Using the Parivahan website, you can check the status online in just a few clicks.

Step 1: Visit the official Parivahan website.

Step 2: Under the 'Check Online Services' tab, select 'Check Challan Status'.

Step 3: Enter the challan number. You can still know the status using your vehicle or driving licence number if you do not have a challan number.

Step 4: Enter the captcha to proceed.

Step 5: Click 'Get Details' to view any pending challans.

If you have been issued an e-challan by the Maharashtra police, paying the fine before the mentioned date is important. If you are unable to do so, there may be further consequences. There are primarily two ways to pay the penalty – online and offline. Let us discuss in detail both these options to pay your e-challan.

Maha Traffic Challan Payment Process - Online

Similar to any other online method, Maharashtra traffic police challan payment through online mode is also very simple and convenient. Moreover, there are three ways to make an online e-challan payment:**

Through the Parivahan Website

Step 1: Go to the Parivahan website.

Step 2: The "Pay Online" option is in the menu bar.

Step 3: Fill in the small "Challan Details" form. If you do not have the challan number, you can enter your vehicle number, chassis, and engine number. Likewise, you can also get the details using your driving licence number.

Step 4: Enter the captcha to proceed.

Step 5: Click on 'Get Details'.

Step 6: A list of all the challan applicable to your vehicle or licence number will be displayed on the screen.

Step 7: When you select a particular challan for which you wish to make payment, complete details will be shown.

Step 8: You can choose the preferred mode of payment to make an online payment for your fine.

Step 9: Once payment is successful, you will receive a receipt and a unique transaction ID; you can download the same for future reference.

Through Maha Traffic E-challan

Step 1: Visit the official website of Maharashtra State E-challan.

Step 2: Two options will be displayed – vehicle number and challan number.

Step 3: to know all the challan charged to you for a particular vehicle, you can select the vehicle number. To get details about a particular challan, select the challan number.

Step 4: Under vehicle number, you must also enter the last digits of your vehicle's chassis or engine number. Enter the captcha code and click "Submit".

Step 5: All the challans will display on the screen.

Step 6: Select the challan you have to pay and click 'Make Payment'.

Step 7: Pay online using net banking, credit card, debit card or e-wallet.

Step 8: After successful payment, you will receive an acknowledgement number, which you must save for future reference.

Through a Mobile Wallet

Step 1: Visit the homepage of your preferred mobile wallet app.

Step 2: Select the 'Pay Bills' or similar option

Step 3: Click on the 'Challans' option.

Step 4: Select Maharashtra traffic police authority and enter your vehicle details.

Step 5: Enter the applicable challan amount and complete the payment.

Offline Payment Process

If you are uncomfortable making Maharashtra vehicle challan payments online, you can opt for the traditional offline payment method of traffic fines.

Option 1: If you receive an e-challan in the presence of traffic police, you can pay in cash and get the receipt on the spot. Alternatively, suppose you already have a challan issued and encounter a traffic police with an authorised e-challan machine. In that case, you can provide your challan details, driving licence, address and identity proof, etc., and pay the penalty amount.

Option 2: Alternatively, to pay the Maha RTO challan, you can go to the local traffic police station and submit the required documents and details. The documents may include identity and address proof, driving licence etc., with challan number. You can pay the penalty in cash or through net banking, credit card etc., and get the receipt in return.

Although e-challan is a computer-generated document issued only after clarity of evidence, there may still be instances where a wrong e-challan is issued. In such situations, you must intimate the authority immediately and get the challan revoked.

• To complain against the wrong issuance of e-challan in Maharashtra:

• Visit the official Parivahan website and select the 'Complaint' option from the menu tab. You will be led to the Grievance System page, wherein you must fill in the form.

• Enter all the details and describe your issue. You can also upload the image as evidence of your innocence.

• Enter the captcha and click on 'Submit'. Your complaint will be registered.

• If you are facing any technical issue relating to e-challan, you can email helpdesk-echallan@gov.in or contact the authority on 0120-4925505 between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm.

• Alternatively, you can contact the Maharashtra traffic police authorities and inform them about the wrongly issued e-challan.

• The authorities will verify the details, evaluate your case and get back to you with an appropriate reply. If it is found that you have been wrongly issued an e-challan, you need not pay the penalty.

To Know the Payment Transaction Status:

• Visit the Vahan Citizen Services website and click 'Know Your Payment Transaction Status' from the tab.

• Fill in the required details. You must also provide the unique transaction ID received after making the e-challan payment.

• Click 'Search' for details about your e-challan payment transaction status.

To Verify the Payment Receipt

• Go to the Vahan Citizen Services website and select the 'Verify Your Receipt' option.

• Enter your vehicle's registration number and the e-challan payment receipt number.

• Click on 'Verify' to verify your payment receipt.

Knowing the validity of the e-challan payment in Maharashtra is vital to avoid any further penalties or consequences. If you have been issued an e-challan for any traffic violation, you must pay the applicable penalty within 60 days from the date of issuance. Failure to do so may attract further penalties. Hence, firstly ensure you adhere to all the Maharashtra traffic rules and regulations, and if issued an e-challan, make a payment before the validity.

The Motor Vehicle Act of 2019 updated the traffic rules and violation list. Around 50 more situations have been included in this violation list under which penalties would be charged. The amendment in the Act was made primarily to ensure better road safety and urge the common public to follow traffic rules. Some of the important traffic rules are mentioned below:

Maharashtra Traffic Rules for Riders and Drivers

• Wearing a protective headgear (helmet) is mandatory in Maharashtra. Any two-wheeler rider (scooter/bike/moped etc.) must wear a helmet. Ignoring this rule in Maharashtra will attract hefty fines. It is also crucial to protect the rider in case of an accident.

• A seat belt is mandatory for four-wheeler drivers and passengers sitting in the front. Seat belts can be vital to safeguard the driver and passenger in an accident. Failing to do so may lead to the issuance of e-challan in Maharashtra.

• Do not ride your two-wheeler with more than two people. Overloading people on a two-wheeler can lead to Maha traffic challan.

• Never drive a four-wheeler under the influence of any intoxicating substance or alcohol. It is a serious traffic rule offence and may attract severe penalties.

• Do not use a mobile phone while driving or riding. You may attract a penalty if found to disobey this rule. Additionally, it may cause serious injury to the rider, pillion rider, third-party individual or property.

• Never cross the speed limit and ride aggressively. This may lead to severe accidents. Road racing is against the traffic rules.

• Drivers must refrain from switching lanes abruptly without giving an indication. Driving in a zig-zag manner can lead to accidents and inconvenience to other drivers and riders.

• Ensure you carry all the relevant documents, like the insurance for a 2-wheeler or 4-wheeler, PUC, driving licence etc., every time you ride your two-wheeler.

Due to increased traffic violation instances, the government amended the existing Act. The Motor Vehicles Act of 2019 introduced stricter traffic rules and regulations and increased penalties.

Some of the instances of traffic fines and penalties in Maharashtra are:

A car or bike insurance policy protects you from financial and legal obligations. In case of an unfortunate accident, your policy can cover the financial costs and also helps you adhere to the nation's laws and regulations. Although having third-party insurance is mandatory as per law, it is recommended to have a comprehensive car insurance or bike insurance policy for holistic coverage. Also, buying a motor insurance policy from a reputed brand like Tata AIG has several benefits. A few are listed below:**

Mandatory requirement: According to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, driving or riding on public roads is illegal without a valid motor insurance policy.

Safeguards you from legal penalties: Adhering to traffic rules and regulations, like having insurance for 2-wheeler or 4-wheeler, safeguards you from fines and legal action.

Comprehensive protection: Tata AIG offers a comprehensive bike insurance policy and a car insurance policy that offers coverage against natural and man-made damages to your vehicle, personal injury and third-party liability.

No claim bonus: You are eligible for a No Claim Bonus discount if you have Tata AIG insurance for 2-wheelers and have not raised any claim in the past year(s). This discount is up to 50% of NCB benefits on the premium amount. The same applies to car insurance policies.

Cashless claim facility: With a wide range of network garages nationwide, you can enjoy a cashless claim facility.

The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 was amended to ensure better road safety and urge people to follow traffic rules. The amendment added 50 more instances wherein penalties are imposed. Also, the fine amount has been increased. The implementation of the same was made across the country, including Maharashtra. For individuals violating traffic rules, an e-challan by Maharashtra RTO is issued.

Hence, as a responsible citizen, you must follow all the traffic rules and laws to avoid attracting the Maharashtra vehicle challan. If you get a challan, ensure you pay the same within the due date.