Government Proposes 45-Day Rule for Clearing Traffic Challans

If you’ve ever ignored a pending traffic challan thinking it’s “no big deal,” it’s time to rethink that. The government is introducing a new rule that could directly affect your driving licence and vehicle registration services if you don’t clear your fines on time.

What’s the New Rule About?

The rule suggests you will be allowed 45 days after you’re issued a traffic challan to either:

1. Acknowledge and pay the challan, if you agree that the challan is valid, or
2. Dispute the challan if you believe it was issued in error.

You must take action to acknowledge or dispute the ticket within 45 days, otherwise the challan will be deemed paid and the vehicle will be flagged for delays regarding services, such as renewing the license or registration.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

In the event that your challan is still pending payment at the conclusion of the 45 days, the details of your vehicle and your license may be identified as “blocked” in transport records. This means you are likely to be unable to:

• Renew your driving licence
• Register a new vehicle
• Transfer ownership of a vehicle
• Apply for any other service either as a part of RTO or related

Your records will remain on hold until all outstanding dues are settled.

Why This Change Is Being Introduced

The intention of this step is to help drivers take traffic regulations seriously. Several people will overlook online challans in days past, resulting in a large backlog of unpaid fines. This rule will apply a fixed timeline for payment or objection to each challan thus, making this much more transparent and efficient.

Multiple Ways to Pay Your Challan

After discovering your outstanding challan, you have several options for payment:

• Online Payment: Most RTO portals provide instant payment options by either debit/credit card, net banking or UPI.
• Mobile Apps: Certain states have mobile apps that alert drivers to real-time fines and provide an easy payment process.
• Offline Payment: If you choose to, you can pay at either banks or RTO offices, although this can be time consuming.

What You Should Do

Here are some tips on how to keep safe and avoid stress.

1. Check for challans regularly – Visit the CarInfo website to check e-challan status online and stay updated on any pending fines.
2. Pay within 45 days – Don’t wait until the last day when paying to avoid system delays or issues.
3. Dispute incorrect challans – If you believe the challan is incorrect, be sure to raise an objection through official channels with the appropriate proof, e.g., photos or documents.
4. Keep receipts safe – After paying off your du, remember to always review or print proof of payment for record keeping.
5. Check your record – Check your RC and DL record for a flag before you are going to renew your license or sell your car.

Also Read: Gurugram Leads the Way: India’s First QR Kiosk for Instant Traffic Challan Payments

Tips to Avoid Future Challans

• Abide by speed limits and traffic laws
• Regularly keep up with notifications on your registered mobile/email
• Ensure that your vehicle documents are current
• Use apps or portals that notify you about fines

It is easier to prevent than to pay fines and wait for service.

Common Mistakes Drivers Make

• Failing to act on online challan notifications
• Missing the 45-day time limit
• Not retaining receipts or any proof of payment
• Forgetting to verify RTO status prior to applying for a service

All of these mistakes can be costly, or at a minimum, expend time and energy you do not need to.

Example

Picture yourself being charged for a speeding violation without even knowing about it till it is time to renew your driving license. After 45 days, unless you pay the fine, it will become final and there is a chance that your record may show that you are in default. Then, when it is time to renew your driving license, they may not let you renew it until you have cleared the outstanding fine.

 All of the above could have been avoided if you would have been checking on and clearing any fines on time!

Conclusion 

The 45-day compliance rule serves as a good reminder that traffic fines are more of a nuisance than an afterthought. Paying your challan quickly ensures your driving history remains clean, you will not get service blocked, and you don’t have to wait at the RTO for a long time. 

It’s simple, check, pay, and drive with peace of mind.