e-Challan Rules: What to Do If the Police Take a Photo and You Receive a Challan? Find Out from an Advocate..

e-Challan Rules: In recent times, the process of issuing e-challans for traffic violations has accelerated significantly. Vehicle owners often complain that traffic police personnel have issued challans simply by taking photographs of their vehicles. Consequently, a question arises in people's minds: Is every challan issued solely based on a photograph legally valid? Furthermore, what recourse is available if a challan is issued erroneously? According to legal experts, if a police officer issues a challan by taking a photograph using their personal mobile phone, such a challan can be challenged in court. However, if the traffic violation is recorded using government-installed cameras or authorized devices, the challan is deemed valid.

**First, check the Status of the e-Challan**

If you receive a notification regarding a challan on your mobile phone, your first step should be to visit the official e-challan website and check its status. By entering your vehicle registration number or the challan number on the portal, you can access complete details regarding the violation. The challan typically contains information such as the nature of the violation, the date, the time, and a photograph. If you believe that the challan has been issued incorrectly, you have the option to file a complaint against it.

**What to Do in Case of an Erroneous Challan**

According to legal practitioners, if you believe a challan is incorrect, you should gather supporting evidence—such as your location data at the time of the incident, CCTV footage, or other relevant documents. Subsequently, you can file an online complaint with the concerned department within 15 days of receiving the challan. During this period, you also have the option to challenge the challan through a virtual court.

**Authorized Devices Are Mandatory for Issuing Traffic Challans**

Legal experts emphasize that, in accordance with traffic regulations, the issuance of challans requires the use of authorized and certified devices. If an officer issues a challan based on a photograph taken with a personal mobile phone, the legal validity of that challan may be called into question. Conversely, e-challans issued based on traffic violations recorded by government-installed cameras or authorized devices are considered fully valid and legally binding.

Experts advise motorists to strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations and to never ignore any challan they receive. If you believe a challan is incorrect, it is essential to file a complaint promptly, in accordance with legal procedures.

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