The Biggest Weakness in the E-Challan System
In a recent case, a vehicle owner reported a glaring discrepancy between the violation images and the official challan details.
The e-challan issued to a Multan resident recorded a traffic signal violation at Sheikhupura. However, the attached surveillance images in the e-challan clearly show a 70cc motorcycle committing the violation. In contrast, the challan’s vehicle details list a 2021 Suzuki Alto.
This is a case of number plate tampering, a growing problem on Pakistani roads. Offenders use several techniques to evade e-challans, two of the popular ways are:
1. Using Another Vehicle’s Number Plate
In many cases, including this one, individuals put number plates that legally belong to a different vehicle. This is a criminal offence under Pakistani law and can result in huge penalties, including fines and vehicle impoundment.
2. Hiding or Altering Digits
Older Punjab number plates included a two-digit model year placed in a small box on the top-right corner. Some motorists deliberately cover these digits, knowing that PSCA cameras rely on them to identify vehicles during violations correctly.
Tampering of any kind, including altering letters, applying reflective stickers, or partially covering the plate, is illegal and punishable under the Motor Vehicle Ordinance.
Small Violations, Serious Consequences
While some drivers attempt such tricks to avoid paying fines worth only a few hundred rupees, the risk far outweighs the benefit.
If caught, offenders face charges related to fraud, forgery, and misuse of registration identity, offences that carry much harsher penalties than the traffic violations they try to avoid.
Meanwhile, innocent registered owners, like the Suzuki Alto owner in this case, can become victims when others misuse their numbers. Punjab Government advises that anyone receiving an incorrect challan should immediately file a review request through the official PSCA e-challan portal, as highlighted in the image below or email to etclhr@psca.gop.pk within the due date and before depositing the fine.
To prevent such incidents, it is also urged that PSCA improve its camera technology by adding OCR (Optical Character Recognition) systems capable of detecting not just number plates but also the type of vehicle involved.
