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Check Traffic e-Challan in Chennai & Pay Online in 2024

Chennai, being the capital of Tamil Nadu and a fast-developing populous city, comprises millions of population and vehicles. Due to the increased population and number of vehicles on the road, surveillance of the violators is a difficult task for the government. 

To encourage people to be more responsible drivers and ensure discipline on the roads that have become more chaotic, the Chennai traffic police have begun using the e-challan system to avoid rash driving and reduce violators.

Continue reading to learn the various e-challan fines for traffic violations, the methods of paying fines, and how to track the whole process in Chennai.

Implementation of e-Challan in Chennai

The government of India has brought changes in the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 to have a stricter approach to ensure road safety and reduce the number of road accidents. Police have then launched a novel approach in Chennai using electronic devices to issue e-challans to mobile numbers of vehicle owners captured on the advanced surveillance camera committing traffic infringements. 

This has led to the increase of challans being issued in the city due to the application of strict traffic laws and the incorporation of technologies like CCTV systems and automatic number plate recognition systems to detect traffic offenders.

What is e-Challan & How it Works?

e-challans, or electronic challans, are India’s latest and technically more advanced methods for issuing traffic challans for violations. If you have received an e-challan, then you have to pay the fine online mode only. e-challans are given through traffic-mounted cameras. 

Traffic light cameras make it easy to issue e-challans to anyone violating the traffic rules. The e-challan is sent to your email ID and registered mobile number in case of traffic violations. It must be noted that the e-challan has to be paid within 60 days of the day it has been issued.

CCTV cameras have been installed to capture and monitor traffic that is constantly passing through the area. For instance, if you are convicted of violating a traffic law, the traffic police will watch a tape of the incident from a CCTV camera and write it down in the logbook.

How to Check the e-Challan Status of Your Vehicle in Chennai?

It is best to regularly check the Chennai Traffic Police website to see if an e-Challan has been issued for an offender who is unaware of it. 

You can also check for e-challans issued via different methods, such as the Parivahan Government Portal, the Chennai Traffic Police website, and the Digit app.

Check the e-Challan Status of Your Vehicle Using Parivahan Portal

  • Step 1: Go to the official e-Challan Parivahan Website.
  • Step 2: Enter either the DL number, vehicle number, or challan number, verify the Captcha, and click on ‘Get Detail’.

  • Step 3: After that, you will be able to see the status of your challan(s). 
  • Another way to check the status of the e-challan is by using the Digit app.

Check e-Challan Status of Your Vehicle Using the Digit App

To see the status of your pending e-Challans against your vehicle in the Digit app, click here or follow the below steps:

  • Step 1: Head to the 'Check Pending Challans' option.
  • Step 2: Enter your vehicle’s registration number and hit the ‘Check Details’ button.

How to Pay Traffic Fines Online in Chennai?

Chennai has three payment methods for e-challan online: the Parivahan website, the Chennai Traffic Police portal, and the offline method.

Using the Parivahan Website

You can pay for your e-challan in Chennai using the official Indian Government portal, Parivahan. Here are the steps to do so:

  • Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Website.
  • Step 2: Please enter the challan number, vehicle, or DL number, verify Captcha, and click ‘Get Detail’.

Using Chennai Transport’s Official web page

  • Step 1: Visit the official website of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Authority.
  • Step 2: From the list of icons at the bottom right, click on the ‘e-payment' icon.

  • Step 4: You will be redirected to the official e-Challan Parivahan website.

  • Step 5: Fill in the required credentials, verify the Captch, and tap ‘Get Detail’ to move forward.
  • Step 6: After that, you can see all your challan, including the necessary details. Select the challan you want to clear and the preferred payment option. 
  • Step 7: To ensure a secure payment transaction, follow the necessary steps on the website.
  • Step 8: Save or print the acknowledgement of payment received from the system.

Ensure you get the on-screen confirmation message, and if you used the email or the SMS, check your email or any other notification.

How to Pay Traffic Fines Offline in Chennai?

Given below are the steps you will have to follow to pay your traffic challan offline:

  • Traffic Police Stations: To pay your e-Challan, you can visit any of the local traffic police stations in Chennai. The station personnel will assist you with the payment process. As the station personnel indicate, payment can be made in cash or by bank transfer.

  • Authorised Banks: To make e-Challan payment easier, some authorised banks might partner with the traffic police department. You can use these banks to determine how to clear your traffic fine.

  • Government Service Centres: In Chennai, government or citizen service centres could allow e-Challan payments. These centres are usually established to support citizens in several issues related to government institutions.

  • e-Seva Centers: e-Seva centres across Chennai may also provide services for e-Challan payments. These centres allow people to access standard government services.

  • Regional Transport Offices (RTOs): e-Challan payments can also be made at Regional Transport Offices. These offices offer some car-related services and can also collect fines.

Whenever you go to pay the e-Challan at a physical address, it is preferable to carry a photocopy or details with you.

List of Traffic Fines in Chennai

Go through the table below for the most recent details regarding the Chennai challan:

Traffic Violation Vehicle Type Penalty (₹)

Talking on the phone while driving

All Vehicle Types

First-time offence: ₹1000
Repeat offence: ₹10000

Driving a two-wheeler without a helmet

Two-wheeler

₹ 1,000

Driving without using the seatbelt

Four-wheeler

₹ 1,000

Violating parking rules

All Vehicle Types

First-time offence: ₹500
Repeat offence: ₹1500
Obstructing the path of emergency vehicles All Vehicle Types ₹ 10,000
Driving without a valid licence All Vehicle Types ₹ 5,000
Driving by a minor All Vehicle Types ₹25000; imprisonment for three years
Driving without having third-party insurance All Vehicle Types First-time offence: ₹2000 and/or imprisonment for three months
Violating speed limits All Vehicle Types Between ₹2000 to ₹4000
Not obeying traffic lights All Vehicle Types ₹1000 to ₹5000 and/or imprisonment for 6 to 12 months
Driving vehicles without a number plate All Vehicle Types Between ₹150 to ₹500

Drivers unable to show their driving licence when asked for by the authorities

All Vehicle Types

Between ₹150 to ₹750

Drivers not cooperating with the police officers All Vehicle Types ₹ 750
Heavy vehicle drivers who do not cooperate with police officers All Vehicle Types ₹ 1,000
Driving a vehicle that is not registered All Vehicle Types ₹ 2,000
Permitting underage driving All Vehicle Types ₹1000 and/or imprisonment for three months
Driving despite having a cancelled licence All Vehicle Types ₹500 or imprisonment for three months

Driving under the influence of alcohol or any kind of drug

All Vehicle Types

First-time offence: ₹2000 and/or imprisonment for six months
Repeat offence: ₹3000 and/or imprisonment for two years.
Driving over the speed limit All Vehicle Types Between ₹1000 to ₹4000 | Licence seizure

Using the mobile while driving

All Vehicle Types

₹ 5,000

Driving with more than one person on a two-wheeler

Two-wheeler

₹2000 | Disqualification of driving licence and/or community service for three months

Overloading four-wheelers more than the seating capacity Four-wheeler ₹200 for each extra passenger
Driving vehicles without having a permit All Vehicle Types ₹10000 and/or imprisonment for six months

Blowing horns in silent zones

All Vehicle Types

First-time offence: ₹2000
Repeat offence: ₹4000

Note: These traffic rules and fines are subject to changes. 

Implementing e-challans in Chennai forms a part of traffic management and indicates progressive steps towards improving this segment. It has helped manage to issue and observe traffic fines and enhanced law enforcement's capability, accountability, and propound transparency.

While experimenting with transport revolutions in urban areas, it’s pertinent to view Chennai’s e-challan system as a kind of revolution that has come to act strictly for the good of society by enforcing the rules of road use and regulating traffic.


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FAQs About Checking and Paying Traffic Fines in Chennai

What is the penalty for driving on the wrong side of the road?

Driving on the wrong side of the road can result in a fine of between ₹500 and ₹1,000 and up to three months imprisonment.

What is the penalty for driving in a no-entry zone?

The penalty for violating the no-entry zone ranges from ₹500 to ₹1000 and includes imprisonment for up to 3 months.

What are the ways to pay traffic fines in Chennai?

The Government of Chennai offers a platform called Parivahan e-Challan to check and pay traffic fines. To do so, you must input the vehicle registration or DL numbers, view fines, and pay online.

Will I get a traffic challan in Chennai if I do not have a PUC certificate?

Yes, you can be fined for not possessing a valid PUC certificate while driving a vehicle in Chennai. It is an important legal document that you must always have.

Within how many days does the e-challan need to be paid?

The e-challan must be paid within sixty days of its issuance. If the person fails to pay the challan on time, it will be referred to the court.

For what kind of violations can an e-challan be issued?

An e-challan can be issued in case of any traffic offence, such as violating road painting rules, reckless or unsafe driving, violating traffic lights, having an improperly placed automotive license plate, or not wearing a seat belt.

What is the fine amount for not wearing a helmet in Chennai?

Under Section 194D of the Motor Vehicles Act 2019, the fine for not wearing a helmet while riding in Chennai is ₹1,000.

What is the penalty for violating the traffic signal in Chennai?

If a vehicle violates a traffic signal in Chennai, a traffic officer can penalise the owner between ₹300 and ₹600.

What is the latest fine for drinking and driving?

The penalty for drunk driving is imprisonment for six months or a fine of up to ₹10,000/- or both.

What is the speed limit in Chennai?

Tamil Nadu's fine for violating traffic rules and regulations, such as driving a car without valid insurance, is ₹2,000.

Can anyone bribe traffic police to get away with a no-parking fine?

It is unlawful to pay a bribe to a traffic police officer. This action violates the law and may lead to other penalties on top of these fines.

How can one report instances of illegal parking in Chennai?

In Chennai, you can file a complaint for Illegal parking in two ways. The first is to report the matter directly to 1913. The other is to report a grievance to the Public Grievance and Redressal System.