Punjab Traffic e-Challan System: Everything You Need to Know

What is e-Challan in Punjab? — A practical, up-to-date guide 🚦

Short answer: An e-Challan is a digital (electronic) traffic violation ticket issued and managed through Punjab’s online systems — primarily the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) and related government payment gateways — that lets you check, download, and pay traffic fines without visiting a police station. 🚗📱

Why Punjab moved to e-Challans

Traditional paper challans are slow, easy to lose, and harder to track. The e-Challan system digitizes enforcement: violations captured by cameras or traffic officers generate a record (with photos, time, location) and the offender is notified digitally. This improves transparency, speeds up processing, and allows online payment and record-keeping. PSCA’s portal and provincial e-payment systems are the backbone of the service. ✅

What the e-Challan contains ✉️

A typical e-Challan record will show:

• Challan / PSID number (unique ID)
• Vehicle registration or CNIC linked to the offence
• Violation type (speeding, red light, no helmet/seatbelt, illegal parking, etc.)
• Fine amount and any late-fee status
• Date, time and location of the incident (often with a camera photo)
• Payment status (paid/unpaid) and payment options.

How to check an e-Challan (step-by-step) 🔎

1. Open the official PSCA e-Challan portal: echallan.psca.gop.pk.
2. Enter your vehicle registration number, CNIC (13 digits) or chassis number.
3. Click Search / Check — the system will return any linked challans with details and PSID numbers.
4. Download or screenshot the challan slip for your records. 📄

(You can also check via the PSCA Public Safety app and some third-party guides link to the same official portal.)

How to pay an e-Challan 💳

Punjab supports several secure payment routes:

• ePay Punjab / PSCA payment gateway (official online payment system).
• Mobile wallets and bill-pay features (Easypaisa, JazzCash) where you can select Traffic Challan / PSCA and enter the PSID. Practical guides show Easypaisa supports PSCA payments.
• Bank branches / designated banks (some provincial notifications still list specific banks for challan deposits). Always confirm the payment method listed on the challan before paying.

Tip: After paying, save the transaction receipt screenshot and check the e-Challan portal after 24–48 hours to confirm the status updates to Paid.

Notifications: SMS / WhatsApp alerts 📲

Punjab issues official e-Challan alerts via an 8815 short code and other official channels so citizens receive timely notices. If you get an SMS saying you have a challan, compare the PSID and details on the official portal before acting.

Important safety alert — scams and fake links ⚠️🔒

Recent advisory (Dec 2025): Punjab authorities and news outlets have warned about a surge in fraudulent e-Challan messages and cloned websites that ask people to click payment links leading to fake pages — designed to steal money or data. On 9 December 2025 PSCA and media reported public warnings urging people not to follow suspicious links and to only use the official echallan.psca.gop.pk portal or trusted payment apps. If unsure, type the official portal address directly in your browser.

How to spot scams

• URL that looks slightly different from echallan.psca.gop.pk (misspellings or extra words).
• Demands immediate payment through an unknown link or third-party account.
• Requests for full bank credentials, OTPs, or remote access.
  When in doubt, check the PSCA portal directly and report suspicious messages to PSCA or local police.

Common violations that trigger e-Challans (and typical fines)

While exact fines can vary and are periodically updated, common reasons for e-Challans include:

• Speeding and over-limit driving
• Running red lights / signal violations
• Not wearing helmet (motorcyclists) or seatbelt (car drivers)
• Illegal parking or blocking traffic
• Driving without valid license or expired token/registration
  Always check the current Punjab traffic fines schedule on Traffic Police or PSCA notices for exact amounts.

What to do if you think the challan is wrong 🤔

1. Verify the evidence on the e-Challan (date, time, photo).
2. If the record looks incorrect, use PSCA’s complaint/appeal channels (many portals/apps include a complaint form or you can visit the local traffic office). Keep screenshots and any proof (e.g., location/time alibi).

Final tips — avoid fines and stay secure ✅

• Keep your vehicle documents, inspection stickers and license up to date.
• Follow speed limits, wear helmets and seatbelts, and obey signals.
• Use the official PSCA portal or apps for checking and payments — never send OTPs or bank details through links from unknown SMS/WhatsApp messages.
• Save payment receipts and re-check the portal after payment to confirm the challan is cleared.

Quick resource list (official + useful)

• PSCA e-Challan portal: echallan.psca.gop.pk.
• ePay Punjab (payments gateway): epay.punjab.gov.pk.
• PSCA / Public Safety app (Android / iOS) — for checking and downloading challans.
• Read official advisories about fake messages before paying.