Introduction:
As the capital city of India, Delhi is a bustling metropolis with a thriving populace and a vibrant culture. A crucial aspect of this vitality is the city’s traffic, a complex network of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and more, all navigating their way through Delhi’s intricate web of roads and streets. Given the high vehicular density and the need for order, the Delhi Traffic Police plays a pivotal role in maintaining traffic discipline and ensuring the safety of all road users. One of the key tools at their disposal is the traffic challan in Delhi – a legal notice issued to those who violate traffic regulations.
With the advent of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, the dynamics of traffic regulation have been significantly reformed. The Act, which has introduced stricter penalties for traffic violations, aims to bolster road safety and encourage compliance with traffic laws. As a result, understanding the nuances of traffic challan in Delhi, including the revised rates, violation categories, and payment methods, has become more important than ever for all road users.
Furthermore, Delhi has embraced digital innovation in its traffic management system. The city has seen the installation of high-tech cameras for automated issuance of challans, a testament to the use of technology in advancing public services. The introduction of digital traffic courts has revolutionized the process of adjudication, making it more efficient and user-friendly.
The New Motor Vehicle Act and Revised Challan Rates
The Motor Vehicles Amendment Act of 2019 significantly modified the original Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, introducing stricter penalties for traffic violations to improve road safety. The Motor Vehicle Act, which governs road traffic in India, was amended to enhance road safety and instill discipline among road users. The amendments brought several changes to the penalty structure for traffic violations in Delhi. These revised rates were introduced to discourage reckless driving and ensure compliance with traffic rules and regulations. The revised rates for traffic violations such as red light jump, over speeding, and more have been updated as of 2023.
Revised Rates of Challans:
Under the new amendments, the revised rates for traffic challans in Delhi vary depending on the type of violation. Some of the prominent violations and their respective challan rates are as follows:
| Violations | Penalty |
| Driving/Riding Without Licence | ₹5,000 |
| Driving/riding Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Substance | First-time offence: ₹10,000 Second-time offence: ₹15,000 |
| Overspeeding | LMV: ₹1,000-₹2,000 MPV/HPV: ₹2,000-₹4,000 (+ licence seizure) |
| Driving/riding Without Insurance | First time offence: ₹2,000 and/or 3-months prison, community service Second time offence: ₹4,000 |
| Driving Without Seat Belt | ₹1,000 and/or community service |
| Speeding and Racing | ₹5,000 and/or 3-months prison, community service ₹10,000 for subsequent violation and up to 1 year in prison, community service |
| Dangerous Driving/Riding and Jumping Red Light | ₹1,000- ₹5,000 and/or 6-months to 1 year in prison, licence seizure |
| Violating Road Regulations | ₹500- ₹1000 |
| Driving/Riding While on the Mobile (Handheld) | ₹5,000 |
| Driving/Riding Despite Disqualification | ₹10,000, and/or community service |
| Not Giving Way to Emergency Vehicles like Ambulances, Fire Engines, etc. | ₹10,000 and/or community service |
| Riding Without Helmet (Rider and Pillion Rider) | ₹1000, and or licence disqualification, community service for 3-months |
| Overloading Two-wheelers | ₹2,000 and licence disqualification and/or 3-months of community service |
| Juvenile Offences | ₹25,000 with 3-years prison, cancellation of registration for 1-year, juvenile ineligible for licence until 25 years of age. |
| Overboarding Passengers | ₹200 for every extra passenger and/or community service |
| Driving/Riding Without Ticket | ₹500 |
| Offence Committed by Enforcing Authorities such as Offering Bribes | Twice the penalty (varies according to traffic rules violated) |
| Unauthorised Use of Vehicles Without Licence | ₹1,000- ₹5,000 |
| Refusing to Share Information Under Traffic Authority/Disobeying Orders | ₹2,000 |
| Vehicles Without Permit | ₹10,000 and/or up to 6-months prison, community service |
| Driving/Riding Without Registration | ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 for subsequent offence |
Traffic Offences and Penalties as per the Delhi Traffic Police Website (https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/traffic-offences):
| TRAFFIC OFFENCES AND PENALTIES | ||||
| S/N | Offence Name | MVA | Penalty 1 | Penalty 2 |
| 1 | Travelling on Running Board(Passengers) | 123(2)/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 2 | Obstructive Driving(Extra Passenger on Driver Seat) | 125/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 3 | Triple Riding on two-wheeler | 194C MVA | 1000 | 1000 |
| 4 | Drive on Footpath/Cycle Track | 39(3) MVDR/177A MVA | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | Violation of Stop Sign | 184 MVA | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | Offences relating to Juvenile | 199A MVA | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Plying of old age Diesel/Petrol vehicles (more than 15/10 years) | 39/192/207 MVA | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | Driving in NMV lanes | 115/194(1) MVA | 20000 | 20000 |
| 9 | Not giving way to an emergency vehicle | 194E MVA | 10000 | 10000 |
| 10 | Disobey of lawful direction in case of an accident or damaging property | 132/179 MVA | 2000 | 2000 |
| 11 | W/O Permit | 66.1/192(A) MVA | 10000 | 10000 |
| 12 | Without Log Book | CMVR 85(10) 177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 13 | Smoking in the Vehicles | DMVR 86.1(5)/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 14 | Blowing of Pressure Horn | 39/192 MVA | 5000 | 10000 |
| 15 | Using horn in No Honking/Silence Zone | 194F MVA | 1000 | 2000 |
| 16 | Use of Coloured Light on Motor | DMVR 97(2)/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 17 | Excess Smoke | DMVR 99(1)(a)/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 18 | Tinted Glass | CMVR 100.2/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 19 | W/O Wiper | CMVR 101/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 20 | Playing Music | DMVR 102/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 21 | Driving without light after Sunset | CMVR 105/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 22 | Unauthorized Use Siren | DMVR 107/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 23 | Offence Committed by Enforcement Authority (Twice the Penalty corresponding to that an offence under the Act) | 210B MVA | 0 | 0 |
| 24 | Violation of Stop Line | 113(1)/177 DMVR | 500 | 1500 |
| 25 | Jumping Red Light | 184 MVA | 0 | 0 |
| 26 | Violation of Mandatory Signs(One Way,No Right Turn) | 119/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 27 | Driving without Horn | CMVR 119.1/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 28 | Driving Left Hand Drive Without Indicator | 120/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 29 | Improper or Obstructive Parking | 122/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 30 | Travelling on Running Board(Driver) | 123(1)/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 31 | CARRYING HIGH/LONG LOAD / Protruding rods | 194(1A) MVA | 20000 | 20000 |
| 32 | Without Fitness | 56/192 MVA | 5000 | 10000 |
| 33 | Using high beam | 112(4)(c)/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 34 | Wrong Passing or Overtaking other Vehicles | 184 MVA | 0 | 0 |
| 35 | Rear View Mirror Turned Inwards | 125(2)CMVR 1989/177 MV Act | 500 | 1500 |
| 36 | Helmet W/o strap or Strap Not tied | 194D MVA | 1000 | 1000 |
| 37 | Defective Helmet (Not Confirming BIS) | 194D MVA | 1000 | 1000 |
| 38 | Top Light Violation | 108(1) CMVR/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 39 | W/o Reflector | 104/177 MVA ACT | 500 | 1500 |
| 40 | Not using Seat-belt | 194B MVA | 1000 | 1000 |
| 41 | Disobeying Lawful Directions | 179 MVA | 2000 | 2000 |
| 42 | Conductor Without Licence | 129/182 MVA | 10000 | 10000 |
| 43 | Driving without Helmet(Rider/Pillion Rider) | 194D MVA | 1000 | 1000 |
| 44 | Carrying A passenger on Goods Vehicle | 184 MVA | 0 | 0 |
| 45 | Carrying Goods on Passenger Vehicle | DMVR 84(4)/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 46 | W/o RUPD | CMVR 124.1/190.2 MV Act. | 10000 | 10000 |
| 47 | W/o LUPD | CMVR 124.1/190.2 MV Act. | 10000 | 10000 |
| 48 | Violation of Yellow Line | 119/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 49 | Conductor Without Badge | DMVR 22(1)/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 50 | Conductor Without Uniform | DMVR 23(1)/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 51 | Not carrying animals as per provision 125E(2) CMVR 1989 | 125E CMVR/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 52 | Smoking by Driver/Conductor | DMVR 11.2/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 53 | Permit Violation | 66(1)/192 A MVA | 10000 | 10000 |
| 54 | SC Violation | 66.1/192(A) M.V.A | 10000 | 10000 |
| 55 | Plying JUGAD | 39/192/207 MV Act 1988 | 0 | 0 |
| 56 | Touting | 93 MVA/193 MVA | 0 | 0 |
| 57 | Dangerous Goods By common carrier | 3/18(1),13/18(1),14/18(1) CRA 2007 | 0 | 0 |
| 58 | Driving Without Licence | 3/181 MVA | 5000 | 5000 |
| 59 | Allowing Unauthorised Person To Drive | 5/180 MVA | 5000 | 5000 |
| 60 | Use of Hand-Held Communication Devices While Driving | 184 M.V.A | 5000 | 10000 |
| 61 | Violation of Restriction of Time (NO ENTRY) | 115/194(1) M.V. Act 1988 | 20000 | 20000 |
| 62 | Trucks carrying sand/dust without covering (No Entry) | 115/194(1) M.V. Act 1988 | 20000 | 20000 |
| 63 | Misbehaviour with Police Officer | 179 MVA | 2000 | 2000 |
| 64 | W/O Insurance | 146/196 MVA | 2000 | 4000 |
| 65 | Driving Dangerously | 184 MVA | 0 | 0 |
| 66 | W/O PUCC | 115 CMVR /190(2)M.V.A | 10000 | 10000 |
| 67 | Driving against the authorized flow of traffic | 184 MVA | 0 | 0 |
| 68 | RC Violation | 39/192 MVA | 5000 | 10000 |
| 69 | Defective/Fancy/Not displaying Number Plate | 50,51 CMVR / 39/192 MVA | 5000 | 10000 |
| 70 | Advertisements on Vehicle | DMVR 71.2/177 MVA | 500 | 1500 |
| 71 | Drunken Driving | 185 MVA | 0 | 0 |
| 72 | Over Speed LMV | 112.1/183(1) MVA | 2000 | 0 |
| 73 | Over Speed MMV/HTV | 112.1/183(1) MVA | 4000 | 0 |
Automatic Challans Through CCTV Cameras
The enforcement of traffic rules has been revolutionized in Delhi with the introduction of CCTV cameras for automatic challan issuance. To effectively enforce traffic regulations and minimize human intervention, the Delhi Police has implemented an extensive network of CCTV cameras throughout the city. These cameras are strategically placed at major intersections and critical locations to capture traffic violations such as signal jumping, overspeeding, and wrongful parking. The recorded footage enables automated challan generation, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving efficiency. In a move to enhance road safety, the Delhi Traffic Police has replaced manual challans with camera-based prosecutions. Following the ease of lockdown in 2020, traffic cameras have played a pivotal role in fining motorists violating speed limits and other rules. The city now has over 150 speed-detection and red-light violation cameras installed at various prime locations, capable of tracking every vehicle on the road. This system has proved very effective, with a significant increase in the number of challans issued as more cars hit the roads after the lockdown​​.
Digital Traffic Courts and Disposal Methods of Traffic Challans
The Delhi District Courts have introduced Digital Traffic Courts to deal with traffic challans virtually. If you wish to contest a challan, you can view it on the Virtual Court web portal using your mobile number, party name, CNR, or vehicle number. Selecting the option “I wish to contest the case” will automatically transfer the challan to the Digital Traffic Court. Following this, a message will appear on your screen indicating the “Next Date of Hearing” and the details of the respective court.​
Violators or their counsel can appear virtually before the court by clicking the Video Conferencing link available on the respective district court website. Upon imposition of a fine by the court, violators can pay it online at https://pay.ecourts.gov.in/epay. They can also view the causelist and order of the challan at https://services.ecourts.gov.in/ecourtindia_v6/.
Delhi offers multiple options for disposing of traffic challans, including on-the-spot payment, online payment, and settlement through Lok Adalats.
- On-the-spot Payment: Traffic violators can choose to pay their challan immediately at the time of the offense. Police officers are equipped with digital payment devices to facilitate quick payment through cash, cards, or mobile wallets.
- Online Payment: Individuals who receive a challan can visit the official Delhi Traffic Police website or mobile app to make their payment online. The platforms provide a user-friendly interface to enter challan details and complete the payment securely using various payment methods.
- Settlement through Lok Adalats: Delhi also offers the option of settling traffic challans through Lok Adalats, which are alternate dispute resolution forums. This mechanism allows individuals to resolve their cases amicably, potentially reducing the fines or penalties imposed.
Checking Your Challans Online
Delhi Traffic Police Website:
To check your challans online, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official Delhi Traffic Police website (https://delhitrafficpolice.nic.in/).
- Look for the “Challan Status” or “Check Challan” option on the homepage.
- Click on the respective link and enter the required details such as vehicle number, driving license number, or challan number.
- Verify the entered information and submit the query.
- The website will display the details of any pending challans against the provided information.
Virtual Court Website:
Another method to check challans online is through virtual court website. To check pending challans online, violators can visit the Virtual Court web portal and view them using various identifiers such as mobile number, party name, CNR, or vehicle number. This platform allows violators to track the status of their challans, submit applications or documents related to them, and view the causelist and order of the challan​​.
Parivahan Website:
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check and pay your traffic challans online using the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ e-Challan system:
- Visit the e-Challan Website: The first step is to visit the official e-Challan website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The direct link to the webpage is: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/index/accused-challan.
- Enter Your Details: On the website, you’ll see several fields where you can enter your details. You can search for your challans using either the Challan Number, Vehicle Number, or your Driving License Number (DL Number). If you’re using the Vehicle Number to search, you also have the option to enter the Chassis Number or Engine Number. After you’ve entered your details, click on ‘Get Detail’​.
- Verify Your Mobile Number: After you click on ‘Get Detail’, you’ll be asked to verify your mobile number. Enter your mobile number in the designated field, and then click on ‘Get OTP’. You’ll receive an OTP on your mobile number. Enter this OTP in the ‘Enter OTP’ field and click on ‘Submit’​​.
- Check Your Challans: After successful verification, your challan details will be displayed on the screen. The details displayed include the Challan Number, Transaction ID, Challan Date, Amount, and Payment Status among other information. If you have more than one challan, all will be listed here​.
- Select Challan and Verify Payment: If you wish to make a payment, choose the challan you want to pay and click on ‘Pay Now’. This will take you to a new page where you will need to verify your details before making the payment​.
- Verify Mobile and Driving License: In this step, you’ll need to verify your mobile number and driving license. Enter your Driving License Number, Date of Birth, and Mobile Number. Then click on ‘Send OTP’. Again, you’ll receive an OTP on your mobile number. Enter this OTP in the ‘Enter OTP Code’ field and click on ‘Submit’​​.
- Confirm Payment: After successful verification, you’ll be asked to confirm if you want to make the payment. If you agree, you can proceed to the payment gateway to complete the transaction​​.
- Complete Payment: Choose your preferred mode of payment (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, etc.) and follow the instructions to complete the payment. After successful payment, you’ll receive a confirmation message, and your challan will be marked as ‘Paid’.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, traffic challan in Delhi are more than just fines for road rule violations. They represent a concerted effort by the Delhi Traffic Police and the government to instill a culture of responsible road usage and safety. With the new Motor Vehicles Act and the revised challan rates, the authorities have conveyed a clear message – road safety is paramount, and violations will not be taken lightly.
The integration of technology in this endeavor, from automated challan issuance via CCTV cameras to digital traffic courts, reflects Delhi’s progressive approach to traffic management. As citizens, it is our responsibility to understand these systems, abide by the laws, and contribute to making our roads safer. Always remember, every challan paid is not just a penalty, but also a reminder to drive responsibly and respect the rights of other road users.
As Delhi continues to evolve and grow, it’s clear that the city’s approach to traffic management will continue to advance. Technology will play an increasingly significant role, and as responsible citizens, we must adapt and adhere to these changes. The more we embrace these initiatives, the safer our roads will become, leading to a smoother and more enjoyable commuting experience for all.
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