Traffic rule violation challans used to be issued on paper and had to be processed through a lengthy filing process and then you had to go to the police station to pay them. But since Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has started aiming for a more digitalized Punjab, a lot of digital solutions have been introduced to decrease cost and save time. One such initiative is E-Challan which allows a paperless challan that has a quick procedure and easier payment options. In case you have been charged with an e-challan and know nothing about the procedure, then this article will help you figure out how to check and pay for your e-challan.
Although this digitalized process has made things a lot more convenient, you have to be familiar with how to access the online portal to be able to benefit from it. The e-challan system was launched in 2015 after the establishment of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) which launched a Punjab Police Integrated Command and Control Centre (PPIC3) to oversee and manage the law-and-order situation of the province. The project was initiated with the installation of security cameras in all the major cities of Punjab to monitor and control the crime rates.
How Does E-Challan Work?
The e-challan system works by using the special Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and Red-Light Monitoring System (RLMS) that are installed all over the major cities to monitor traffic rule violations on the road. The system generates automatic challans for all traffic violators and challan is sent directly to their residential addresses. The vehicle owner is identified by using the ANPR photos and the Motor Transport Information Management System (MTMIS) that is used for vehicle verification in Punjab.
The penalty for e-challan that you are charged for has to be paid within 10 days or else, your vehicle can be detained and seized by Punjab Police.
How to Check E-Challan Online?
It is important you check the e-challan portal if you think you might have broken a traffic rule or if your vehicle is used by some other family members. Since the rates are high as your vehicle can be detained, it is best to keep yourself aware and know if there are any e-challans against your vehicle. So, make sure you check for e-challan online after every few days. The process is easy and here is how you can do it:
- Visit the PSCA’s e-Challan website.
- Enter your car’s number plate and CNIC to which the vehicle is registered.
- The system will tell you if you have a pending challan that has not been paid as well as what was the nature of the traffic rule violation if you have an e-challan.
If you have not received a challan on your residential address or have lost the one you did, you can print out the digital one.
PSCA also has an android application that can be used for the same purpose and allows you to view all the fines and penalties against your vehicle.
How to Pay E-Challan?
You only have 10 days to pay the fine you are charged or your vehicle can be seized by the police. There are two methods available to pay e-challan:
- In-Person:
Visit any brand of the National Bank of Punjab or Bank of Punjab with a copy of the e-challan you have been charged with and pay the required amount. When e-challan was launched, this was the only option available for people as the other one was not launched.
- Online:
Punjab police recently launched an online payment system for e-challan which allows you to pay your penalty from anywhere with your phone. Just download the ePay Punjab app on your phone and you will be able to generate a traffic challan with a unique Payment Slip Identification (PSID) number. Use your vehicle’s license plate number to pay for the traffic violation challan online. Enter the PSID you have been given in your bank’s online banking service and pay the required amount of the challan.
E-challan has truly made a difference and it is the first step towards a paperless future that allows ease and convenience to the people. Paying for the E-challan online has further fastened the process and now you can pay the challan from the comfort of your home. Earlier the process used to be a hassle and you had to go to the local police station to pay the fine. But now, E-Challan has made the lives of the people of Punjab easier and we hope this system will also be launched in other cities of Pakistan.
