Delhi Traffic Police has introduced an OTP-based verification system for e-challans, but reports have highlighted a loophole where vehicle owners can allegedly avoid receiving challan alerts by linking incorrect mobile numbers to vehicle registrations. The issue has raised concerns over enforcement gaps in the city’s increasingly digital traffic management system.
How the OTP challan system works
Under Delhi’s upgraded digital traffic enforcement system, e-challans are linked to the registered mobile number of the vehicle owner. OTP verification is used during certain online processes to confirm identity and ensure notices reach the correct individual.
Traffic challans generated through CCTV surveillance systems or on-ground enforcement are sent digitally through SMS and online portals. The city has also introduced stricter timelines for payment or contesting challans under the fully digital framework.
Where the loophole exists
Reports of said that some users allegedly bypass challan notifications by registering vehicles with incorrect or outdated mobile numbers. In such cases, OTPs and e-challan alerts may be sent to someone unrelated to the vehicle owner or may not reach anyone at all.
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This creates difficulties in notifying actual violators about pending fines or legal notices. Online discussions have also shown instances where people claimed they were receiving challans for vehicles they did not own because their numbers were wrongly linked to registrations.
Concerns over digital enforcement
The loophole has sparked concerns because Delhi Traffic Police has been moving toward a fully digital challan system aimed at improving compliance and reducing manual intervention. Under the latest rules, vehicle owners are given a fixed period to pay or contest challans online.
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Authorities have also expanded digital payment systems, including QR-code-based on-the-spot payments and Digital Lok Adalat platforms for quicker challan settlement.
Official warnings over fake challans
At the same time, Delhi Police has repeatedly warned citizens about fake traffic challan scams circulating through WhatsApp and SMS. Fraudsters often send malicious links or APK files pretending to be official challan notices. Police have advised people to verify challans only through official government portals and avoid downloading unknown files.
