Got a traffic challan notification that you believe was issued incorrectly?

Don’t panic. You can file a complaint against a wrong traffic challan online if you believe the challan was issued by mistake. Before paying the fine, verify the challan details and understand the available traffic challan dispute and grievance process.

This guide explains how to complain about a wrong traffic challan in India, where to raise your complaint, what details or documents you may need, and what to do if your challan was issued incorrectly.

What is a wrong e challan?

E-Challan (or Electronic challan) is a modern and digital way of managing traffic challans, from detecting violations to settling or contesting them online. With advanced systems like CCTVs, RLVD, ANPR, RFID, speed guns, etc., traffic violations are monitored smartly to ensure proper enforcement of road laws and regulations.

A wrong e-challan is simply a challan issued by mistake against your vehicle for a violation you didn't commit. It can happen because of an incorrect number plate reading, technical issues, or outdated vehicle information.

How to check if a challan is issued by mistake?

If you are a motorist, you might already know the importance of checking challan status. Checking a challan helps in understanding if the challan is issued by mistake or is authentic. It also helps you understand the traffic penalties and violations for which you are fined.

You can quickly check e-challan details through the NextGen eChallan portal, Parivahan, or through Park+.

If you want to check a challan using just your vehicle number, you can use Park+ to fetch RTO-verified challan details.

The key steps include:

• Visit the ‘E Challan’ section on Park+.

• Type in your vehicle’s registration number.

• Click on ‘Check Challan’ to fetch the details.

Once the details are on your screen, take a quick look at the vehicle number, violation, date, time, and location. Now, think back - was your vehicle actually at that location at that time? Did the mentioned violation really happen?

If not, there is a chance the e-challan may have been issued incorrectly. In that case, collect supporting evidence you have, such as photos, videos, or other relevant documents, to file a wrong e challan online complaint.

How to file a wrong e challan online complaint?

The process to raise a complaint against a wrong traffic challan is effortless and quick. Perform the following steps:

• Go to the NextGen eChallan portal.

• Click on ‘Raise Grievance’.

• Fill the ‘Grievance Entry Form’ after selecting a suitable option.

• Enter the displayed captcha and click on ‘Submit’ to raise the complaint.

• Jot down the ‘E-Ticket’ number to track the complaint status.

Alternatively, you can also raise e-challan complaints through the Parivahan Grievance page. Simply provide your challan number, describe the concern and submit a complaint after providing the supporting evidence (if any).

Moreover, you can also contest a challan by visiting the nearest Traffic Police Station along with the required documents and a copy of the challan. Share your concern with the designated officer and he will assist you with further steps in registering a complaint.

Documents required to file a Traffic Challan Complaint

Think your traffic challan is incorrect? Keep the challan details and supporting evidence ready before filing a complaint. These may include:

• Challan number or challan copy

• Photos or videos supporting your claim

• Parking receipts or other relevant documents

• Vehicle and contact details, if required

What happens after a complaint for an incorrect e challan is raised?

Once you have challenged the wrong e challan, the authorised authority will start reviewing the complaint and the supporting evidence (if provided by you). The status is then updated on the government portals - NextGen eChallan or Parivahan.

If the e challan complaint is found to be valid, the concerned authority may cancel or correct the challan, and the updated status will be reflected on the relevant portal.

Common reasons for a wrong traffic challan

Incorrect traffic violation tickets are generally issued by mistake - misreading the number plate, CCTVs not capturing clear images, etc.

Some of the possible reasons include:

• Technical glitches: Since e challans are recorded through advanced systems, technical glitches can result in issuing an incorrect e challan.

• Misreading number plates: ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) technology reads the number plate to fetch the vehicle details across the digitally stored database. If it misreads the vehicle number, a challan is issued by mistake.

• Cloned number plates: These refer to duplicate number plates that criminals often copy to get a legitimate identity.

• Old database details: If you have sold your vehicle but the ownership details have not yet been updated, a challan may still be linked to the previous owner’s details.

Next time, if you receive a wrong traffic challan, follow the above-listed steps to raise a wrong e challan complaint. This can help you avoid paying a fine for a violation you have not committed and keep your driving record clear. Thus, checking the details and taking corrective steps can really help you.