Police & notices
Traffic challan, wrong e-challan, or my vehicle was seized
Under the 2026 rules you have 45 days to pay or contest an e-challan with evidence. Missing that window counts as accepting it.
Answer a few questions and get your list →What the law says
Central Motor Vehicles (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026: e-challans must reach you within 3 days (15 days if physical); you have 45 days to pay or contest on the portal with evidence; five or more challans in a calendar year can lead to licence suspension after a hearing. Some states are still adopting these rules. Pending challans are often settled at National Lok Adalats. Separately, the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 changed several Motor Vehicles Act offences into civil penalties or first-time warnings and gives a 30-day grace period after a driving licence expires; its Motor Vehicles provisions were brought into force by notification in 2026 — check the current position for your state.
General information, not legal advice.
Papers that usually help
- The challan (number, date, photo/video evidence)
Basis to pay or contest. - Proof the vehicle was elsewhere or it was not a violation
Contest needs documentary evidence. - Registration certificate (RC)
Needed for any release or contest. - Driving licence
Asked for in every settlement or hearing. - List of pending challans and receipts for any already paid
Avoids paying twice; needed at Lok Adalat. - Insurance and PUC certificate
Required to release a seized vehicle. - Seizure memo / receipt
Needed to apply for release. - Licence suspension notice
You have a right to be heard first. - Contest the challan online with your evidence
Silence for 45 days counts as acceptance.
Questions Saboot will ask you
- What is your situation?
- When was the challan issued?
- Are your vehicle documents valid (RC, insurance, PUC, licence)?
- How many challans this year?
Sources
- eChallan portal (Parivahan)
- Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 — Motor Vehicles Act changes in force from 15 Aug 2026
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
Common situations
- Got a challan for something I didn’t do
- Vehicle seized by traffic police
- Driving licence suspended
- Want to pay or settle old challans in Lok Adalat
- Challan for a car I already sold
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