Bihar has joined its neighboring states in embracing digital transformation through a robust electronic challan, or e-challan, system designed to identify and penalize traffic infractions across the state. This digital enforcement mechanism ensures streamlined management of traffic violations, fundamentally transforming Bihar's approach to traffic enforcement. For vehicle owners navigating the streets of Gaya, Patna, Begusarai, or the state's expanding highways, understanding how to perform a traffic challan check and pay traffic violation fines online is crucial for maintaining legal compliance and avoiding penalties.
Understanding the E-Challan System in Bihar
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' Parivahan portal serves as the national platform for e-challan services throughout India, offering the most reliable method to check your e-challan status in Bihar. Violations such as not wearing a helmet or seat belt, speeding, signal jumping, and others are captured using digital tools, including CCTV cameras, speed guns, or handheld recording devices employed by traffic police. Once a traffic violation is electronically recorded, an e-challan is generated and linked to the vehicle's registration number. The owner receives an SMS on their registered mobile number, informing them of the violation and the fine amount, which acts as the official challan notice.
Methods to Check E-Challan Status in Bihar
While the Parivahan portal is the primary government source, platforms like Cars24 also provide a seamless way to perform a traffic challan check, ensuring you never miss a fine. To view your status via the official Parivahan portal, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the official Parivahan portal.
- On the homepage, locate the check challan status option, available under the 'Online Services' section.
- You will be prompted to search the challan using your vehicle number, driving license number, or challan number.
- After entering the required information, input 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 straightforward and can be completed online. 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 a secure government payment gateway where you can choose your preferred method, including UPI, net banking, or credit/debit card. Following a successful transaction, a payment confirmation will be displayed. It is advisable to download or print the receipt for your records. Note that 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 typically have 60 days from the date of issuance to pay the fine, though it is always recommended to settle an e-challan as soon as possible. If the amount is not paid within the allotted time, the fine may increase, and you could face a court summons. Furthermore, the e-challan may be transferred to the Judicial Magistrate court or Lok Adalat, where payment must be made in person, adding to the inconvenience and potential legal complications.
Common Traffic Violations and Fines in Bihar
The Motor Vehicle Act, which has been amended in Bihar to impose stricter fines for violations to promote road safety, governs the penalties for traffic infractions. Penalties differ between first and subsequent offences, with the latter being more severe. Below is a detailed list of typical fines:
- Driving without a licence: Rs 5,000 for the first offence; Rs 5,000 for subsequent offences.
- Riding without a helmet: Rs 1,000 with a 3-month driving license suspension for both first and subsequent offences.
- Driving without a seatbelt: Rs 1,000 for the first offence; Rs 1,000 for subsequent offences.
- Drunk driving: Rs 10,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment for the first offence; Rs 15,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment for subsequent offences.
- Using a mobile phone while driving: Rs 5,000 for the first offence; Rs 10,000 for subsequent offences.
- Overspeeding (LMV): Rs 1,000 to 2,000 for the first offence; Rs 1,000 to 2,000 for subsequent offences.
- Disobeying a traffic signal or jumping: Rs 5,000 for the first offence; Rs 10,000 for subsequent offences.
- Driving without insurance: Rs 2,000 for the first offence; Rs 4,000 for subsequent offences.
Drive Safe and Pay Your Challan on Time
Bihar's adoption of a strong e-challan system represents a significant step toward enforcing traffic laws in a transparent, timely, and effective manner. Regularly checking your e-challans and paying traffic violation fines promptly is the best way to ensure you remain a responsible driver and law-abiding citizen, contributing to safer roads across the state.
