Maharashtra E-Challan Rules: What the 45-Day Contest Period Means for Vehicle Owners

A Maharashtra challan check can reveal any pending traffic fines, enable the owner of the vehicle involved to view the relevant details and take the appropriate action within the specified period, as prescribed under the Central Motor Vehicles (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026. A person served with a challan can either accept and pay it in full within 45 days of its issuance or dispute it online with documentary evidence. The notification was made on January 20, 2026. 

What Is the 45-Day E-Challan Rule?

As per the revised procedure under Rule 167 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, there is a designated time frame for accepting/ contesting an e-challan/physical challan.

Within 45 days of the challan’s issuance, the recipient can:

• Accept the challan and pay the specified amount.
• Contest the challan online.
• Submit documentary evidence to contest the challan.

If a challan is not contested within the specified 45 days, it will be treated as accepted under the rules.

Why Should You Check a Challan Quickly?

An e-challan can be issued either electronically or by an authorised traffic policeman. The updated Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 2026, provide for entry of challan information on the relevant portal. 

A quick challan check can therefore enable a vehicle owner to:

1. View any pending traffic fines.

2. View the date of the alleged violation.

3. View the details of the violation.

4. View any challan that needs to be contested.

5. Ensure that no challan remains unaddressed.

It is especially important for people owning multiple vehicles or driving in different cities in Maharashtra to take a quick challan check.

What Happens After 45 Days of Receiving Challan?

Your challan will be treated as accepted if it is not challenged within 45 days of receiving it, and you will get a reminder through electronic mode about your pending payment after 30 days. Your transaction will be impacted if you do not pay any amount in 30 days, and your vehicle will also be tagged as Not to be Transacted in the system portal.

Maharashtra Challan Check: What Details Should You Verify?

Before making a challan payment or challenging it, vehicle owners can use the information provided in the challan to determine whether it is accurate. Some of the relevant details that a person should verify include:

• Vehicle registration number
• Challan number
• Date of violation
• Place of violation
• Type of traffic offence
• Fine amount
• Status of payment or dispute

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What is the 45-day rule for e-challans?

A.The 2026 rules provide for a 45-day period from the date of challan issuance during which the person served with the challan can either accept and pay it or dispute it online with documentary evidence. 

Q.Does the 45-day rule apply to Maharashtra?

A. The 45-day rule allows vehicle owners in Maharashtra to pay or contest an e-challan within 45 days of its issuance under the amended Central Motor Vehicles Rules.

Q. What happens if I do nothing for 45 days?

A. The challan will be deemed accepted. Another 30 days will be given for payment. 

Q. Can I contest a traffic challan online?

A. Yes, the amended rules provide for online contesting of a challan and submission of documentary evidence. 

Q. How can I check my Maharashtra challan status?

A. Vehicle owners can use the Maharashtra e-challan system to view challan-related services. They can also use a vehicle management App such as MyMotor Challan Check App to view vehicle-related challan information.