Driving in Chandigarh in 2026 requires serious attention. With the city’s extensive network of CCTV cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, you can get fined without even being stopped by a cop. If you accidentally crossed a stop line or oversped on Madhya Marg, the challan is likely already in the system.
Here is the complete guide to checking your status, paying fines, and avoiding the rising “fake challan” scams targeting drivers this year.
How to Check Your E-Challan Status Online (Official Method)
There is only one centralized database you should trust. Do not use random third-party links sent via SMS.
Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Website
- Go to the official Ministry of Road Transport website: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/
- Note: The Chandigarh Traffic Police website also redirects here.
Step 2: Enter Details You will see three options to search for your challan. Entering your Vehicle Number is usually the easiest.
- Challan Number: (If you received a text with the specific ID).
- Vehicle Number: (Enter your number plate, e.g., CH01BQ1234 + Last 5 digits of Chassis/Engine No).
- DL Number: (To check fines attached to your license).
Step 3: Get Details
- Enter the Captcha and click “Get Detail”.
- If you have a fine, it will show the Date, Time, Location, and Violation type (e.g., “Red Light Jumping”).
How to Pay Your Fine
Once you see your challan, you have two safe ways to pay in 2026.
Method 1: Online Payment (Instant)
- On the same Parivahan page where you view the challan, click the “Pay Now” button.
- Select the payment gateway (usually connected to SBI e-Pay or similar).
- Pay via UPI, Credit/Debit Card, or Net Banking.
- Important: Save the “Payment Receipt” immediately. It is your only proof if the system glitches later.
Method 2: Offline via e-Sampark Centers
If you are not comfortable paying online, you can visit any e-Sampark Center in Chandigarh.
- What to bring: The challan number (or vehicle RC) and the payment amount.
- Note: e-Sampark centers are linked directly to the Chandigarh Administration database, making it safer than random cyber cafes.
2026 Scam Alert: The “fake .apk” SMS
This year, a massive scam is targeting Chandigarh drivers. You might receive an SMS that looks like this:
“Your vehicle CH01XX has a pending challan of ₹500. Pay immediately to avoid court summons: [link]”
How to spot the fake:
- The Link: Official government links end in .gov.in. Scammers use links ending in
.xyz,.org, or random letters. - The App Download: If the link asks you to download an app (an .apk file) to view the proof, STOP. It is malware that steals your banking OTPs.
- The Source: Real challan SMSs come from IDs like
VM-CHDPOLorVM-PARiVahan, not personal mobile numbers (e.g., +91-98765…).
Chandigarh Traffic Fine Rates (2026 Updated List)
Fines in Chandigarh are strict. Here are the current penalties for common violations:
| Violation | Fine Amount (1st Offense) | Fine Amount (Repeat Offense) |
| Riding without Helmet (Rider/Pillion) | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 + DL Suspension |
| Overspeeding (Light Vehicle/Car) | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 |
| Drunk Driving | ₹10,000 + Court Visit | ₹15,000 + Jail/License Cancel |
| Driving without Seatbelt | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 |
| Using Mobile Phone while driving | ₹2,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Jumping Red Light | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Dangerous Driving (Lane cutting) | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Obstructive/Wrong Parking | ₹500 + Towing Charges | ₹1,000 + Towing Charges |
| Underage Driving (Minor) | ₹25,000 (Paid by Parent) | 3 Years Jail for Guardian |
How do I know if the challan is real or fake?
Always verify it by visiting echallan.parivahan.gov.in manually. Never pay directly through a link sent via SMS or WhatsApp without verification.
Can I pay the challan to the traffic policeman on the spot?
Chandigarh Traffic Police have moved largely to a cashless e-challan system. While they carry machines for card payments, they discourage cash handling to prevent corruption. It is safer to pay online or at e-Sampark centers.
What happens if I don’t pay my challan for 60 days?
If unpaid, the challan is forwarded to the Virtual Court. You will receive a summons, and you may have to appear in the District Court (Sector 43) to settle it. Your vehicle transfer/sale will also be blocked at the RTO.
I was not driving, but I got a challan. What do I do?
You can raise a grievance on the Chandigarh Traffic Police website or the Parivahan portal under “Grievance System.” You will need to upload proof (like dashcam footage) showing it wasn’t your vehicle or fault.
Is the “Free Left Turn” allowed at all Chandigarh roundabouts?
No. Many roundabouts (like Transport Chowk or Tribune Chowk) have slip roads. If the light is red, you cannot turn left unless there is a specific green arrow or a “Left Turn Free” sign. This is a common reason for fines.
Do I need to carry physical documents in 2026?
No. As per the IT Act, showing your documents (RC, License, Insurance) via the DigiLocker or mParivahan app is legally valid. The police cannot force you to show physical papers if your digital documents are valid.