Compliance Simplified: How to Perform a Traffic Challan Check and Understand E-Challan Status in Bihar

This comprehensive guide details the entire procedure for checking and paying your e-challan in Bihar

Digital Desk: With a strong electronic challan, or e-challan, system to identify and penalise traffic infractions in the city, Bihar, like its neighbouring states, has also embraced the digital transformation. Ensuring streamlined management of traffic violations, this digital enforcement mechanism has truly transformed the state’s traffic enforcement.

So if you are a vehicle owner navigating the streets of Gaya, Patna, Begusarai or the state’s expanding highways, knowing how to perform a traffic challan check and pay traffic violation fines online can be crucial for maintaining legal compliance. This comprehensive guide details the entire procedure for checking and paying your e-challan in Bihar.

Understanding the E-Challan System in Bihar

The MoRTH's Parivahan portal, a national portal for e-challan services throughout India, is the most reliable way to find out your e-challan status in Bihar. To view your Parivahan portal e-challan:-

• Detection: Violations like not wearing a helmet/ seat belt, speeding, signal jumping, etc., are captured by digital means and tools, including CCTV cameras, speed guns, or handheld recording devices used by traffic police.

• Notification/Notice: Once a traffic violation is electronically recorded, an e-challan is generated and linked to the vehicle's registration number. The owner then receives an SMS on their registered mobile number, informing them of the violation and fine amount. This message serves as the challan notice.

• Digital Record: The details of the violation, including the offence type, date, time, location, and fine amount, are updated in the central e-challan portal, making it simpler for the citizen to check their e challan Bihar online.

Methods to Check E-Challan Status in Bihar

The MoRTH's Parivahan portal, a national portal for e-challan services throughout India, is the most reliable way to find out your e-challan status in Bihar. To view your Parivahan portal e-challan:-

• Navigate to the official Parivahan portal
• On the homepage, look for the check challan status option, available under the 'Online Services' section.
• You will then be asked to search the challan via your vehicle number/DL number or challan number
• After entering the information, enter the security code displayed on the screen
• Click the get details button, and the portal will display a list of all pending and paid e-challans associated with the details you provided.

Methods To Pay Your Bihar E-Challan Online

Once you have performed the traffic challan check and confirmed a pending fine, the payment process is equally simple and can be completed online. 

Online Payment via Parivahan Portal

• After checking your status using the steps above, all pending e-challans will be displayed.
• Select the specific e-challan you wish to clear.
• If the challan is eligible for online payment, a 'Pay Now' button will be visible. 
• You will be redirected to the secure government payment gateway. Choose your preferred method, including UPI, net banking or credit/debit card
• After a successful transaction, a payment confirmation will be displayed. It is advised to download or print the receipt for your records.

Note:-Challans referred to a Virtual Court or Lok Adalat must be paid offline at the designated court.

Payment Timeline and Consequences of Non-Payment

You usually have 60 days from the date of issuance to pay the fine, though it is always advisable to settle an e-challan as soon as possible. If the amount is not paid within the allotted time, then:-

• The fine amount may be increased
• Legal action may be taken
• The e-challan may be transferred to the Judicial Magistrate court or Lok Adalat, where payment must be made in person.

Common Traffic Violations and Fines in Bihar

The Motor Vehicle Act, which has been amended in Bihar to impose harsher fines for violations in order to promote road safety, governs the penalties for traffic violations. There are differences in the penalties for traffic infractions between the first and subsequent offences, with the latter being harsher or more severe. The following is a list of typical fines:-

Drive Safe and Pay Your Challan On Time

Bihar's move to a strong e-challan system is a step toward the state's traffic laws being enforced in a transparent, timely, and effective manner. The best way to make sure you continue to be a responsible driver and law-abiding citizen is to routinely check your e-challans and pay traffic violation fines on time.