Got a challan you believe is wrong? Delhi now has a more structured grievance system for traffic challans. Here’s how to complain effectively and what happens next.
Valid Grounds for a Challan Complaint
- Vehicle number misread by the camera
- Cloned / fake number plate on another vehicle
- Vehicle sold before the challan date
- Photo doesn’t match your vehicle type or colour
- Duplicate challan for the same offence
- Already paid but still showing pending
The New Grievance Process (Being Rolled Out in 2026)
As reported in September 2026, under the amended CMVR system:
- You get 45 days from issuance to pay or contest online.
- Your grievance is heard by a designated grievance redressal officer.
- If the grievance is accepted, the challan is cancelled or corrected.
- If rejected, you can go to court – but must first deposit at least 50% of the penalty.
- If you do nothing for 45 days, the challan is deemed accepted.
Read the full new traffic challan rules Delhi 2026.
Evidence That Works
| Ground | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Misread / cloned plate | RC copy, photos of your vehicle, challan photo comparison, police complaint copy |
| Sold vehicle | Form 29/30, sale letter with date and time |
| Vehicle elsewhere | FASTag/toll records, GPS, parking receipts |
| Already paid | Payment receipt and transaction ID |
Where to Complain
Use the grievance option on official portals (Delhi Traffic Police / Parivahan e-Challan) as notified. For challans already in court, the grievance route may not apply – you will need to appear in court or the Virtual Court contest option.
Tips
- Don’t pay a challan you plan to contest – payment is usually treated as acceptance.
- File within the deadline and keep the complaint number.
- For number plate cloning, also file a police complaint.
Related: how to contest a wrong traffic challan and challan on a sold vehicle.
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Get Free Challan Guidance →📞 Call +91 99712 84037Frequently Asked Questions
How do I complain about a wrong challan in Delhi?
Raise a grievance online on the official portal within 45 days of issuance with evidence. A designated grievance officer will decide it.
What happens if my challan grievance is rejected?
You can appeal in court, but under the amended rules you must first deposit at least 50% of the penalty.
Should I pay a wrong challan first?
No. Payment is usually treated as acceptance. Contest it first.
