Challan on a Sold Vehicle? Here’s What the Previous Owner Should Do

You sold your car or bike months ago – and challans keep arriving on your phone. This is extremely common when the RC transfer was not completed. Here’s what you should do.

Why You’re Still Getting Challans

Challans are issued to the registered owner as per the VAHAN record. If the buyer never completed the transfer of ownership at the RTO, the vehicle is still in your name, and every camera challan goes to you.

Step 1: Gather Proof of Sale

• Signed Form 29 (notice of transfer) and Form 30 (application for transfer)
• Sale letter / delivery note with date and time of handover
• Buyer’s ID proof and address
• Payment proof (bank transfer, cheque)
• Any WhatsApp or written communication with the buyer

Step 2: Check All Challans

Check all challans by vehicle number on echallan.parivahan.gov.in and vcourts.gov.in. Note which were issued after the sale date.

Step 3: Push the RC Transfer

Contact the buyer to complete the transfer. If they don’t respond, you can inform the RTO in writing with Form 29 and proof of sale. Some states allow the seller to initiate the online transfer process on Parivahan.

Step 4: Contest Post-Sale Challans

Don’t simply pay challans that aren’t yours. You can:

• Raise a grievance with the traffic police with proof of sale.
• Contest in the Virtual Court or regular court.
• Ask an advocate to represent you – see how to contest a wrong challan.

Step 5: File a Police Complaint (if needed)

If the buyer is untraceable or the vehicle is being misused, file a written complaint at the local police station and keep the acknowledgement.

Buying a Used Vehicle? Protect Yourself Too

Check pending challans before buying and make sure the seller clears them. Read our vehicle challan check guide.

Frequently Asked Questions