A common question many vehicle owners ask is:
“My vehicle has pending traffic challans. It’s old, fitness expired, maybe more than 15 years, and sometimes it doesn’t even show on the Parivahan portal. Can I still scrap it? Will I get a COD (Certificate of Destruction)? Do challans block RC cancellation?”
The answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on challan type, jurisdiction, and compliance handling.
This guide explains everything in depth, including Motor Vehicles Act provisions, real-world scenarios, myths vs facts, and how Carbasket supports scrapping vehicles even with challans using proper documentation.
What Are Vehicle Challans?
A challan is a legal notice issued for violation of traffic or transport rules, such as:
- Overspeeding
- No insurance
- No pollution certificate
- Signal jumping
- Parking violations
- Fitness / permit violations
- E-challans issued via cameras
Challans may be:
- Paid
- Unpaid
- Contested
- Pending in court
- Dormant (old records)
Can a Vehicle With Challans Be Scrapped?
Short Answer:
✅ Yes, in many cases - but not blindly.
Legal Reality:
- Challans are attached to the RC / registration record
- During scrapping and RC cancellation, RTO may check challan status
- Some challans must be cleared, while others may not block scrapping
Can I Get a COD Certificate If My Vehicle Has Challans?
It Depends On:
Challan Type COD Certificate Possible?
Minor traffic challans Usually Yes
Very old challans Often Yes
Challans from another state Case-specific
Court-pending challans May block
Seizure / blacklisting challans ❌ No
👉 COD (Certificate of Destruction) is issued only after:
- Legal dismantling
- RC cancellation approval
- Clearance or resolution of blocking issues
Motor Vehicles Act & Legal Provisions
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- Section 39: Vehicle must have valid registration
- Section 56: Fitness certificate mandatory beyond prescribed age
- Section 200–206: Traffic violations & penalties
Important Point:
The Act does not explicitly prohibit scrapping due to challans, but RTOs can raise objections during RC cancellation if challans are serious or unresolved.
What If My Vehicle Is More Than 15 Years Old & Fitness Is Expired?
This is very common.
Key Clarification:
- Fitness expiry does NOT erase challans
- But fitness expiry does qualify the vehicle for scrapping
If:
- Vehicle is 15+ years old
- Fitness expired or failed
- Vehicle is non-running
👉 Scrapping is allowed, subject to challan handling.
What If My Registration Number Is NOT Showing on Parivahan Portal?
This happens when:
- Vehicle is very old (pre-digitisation)
- RC was never migrated to VAHAN
- Vehicle unused for many years
- RTO data is offline
Can Such Vehicles Still Be Scrapped?
✅ Yes, with supporting documentation.
Accepted Supporting Documents:
- Old physical RC (original or copy)
- Owner ID proof
- Declaration / affidavit
- Local RTO verification (if required)
👉 Carbasket regularly handles such “Parivahan-missing” vehicles.
Do All Challans Need to Be Paid Before Scrapping?
❌ Myth: Every challan must be cleared
✅ Fact: Only blocking challans matter
Challans That Commonly BLOCK RC Cancellation:
- Court-pending cases
- Vehicle seizure cases
- Blacklisting by RTO / police
- Crime-linked or stolen vehicle cases
Challans That Usually DON’T Block:
- Minor traffic e-challans
- Parking fines
- Very old unpaid challans
- Challans from previous owners (case-specific)
Can I Scrap a Vehicle Without Clearing Challans?
Practically:
- In many cases, yes
- Especially for:
- Old vehicles
- Fitness-expired vehicles
- Non-running vehicles
- Parivahan-missing records
Legally:
- RTO may require:
- Declaration
- Owner consent
- Supporting scrapping documentation
👉 Carbasket supports “scrap-with-challans” cases with proper documentation, not shortcuts.
What If Challans Are From Another State?
- Challans may not reflect across state databases
- RC cancellation still depends on home RTO
- Cross-state challans may or may not block scrapping
Carbasket evaluates this case-by-case.
Impact of Challans on RC Cancellation
Possible Outcomes:
Scenario Result
Minor challans RC cancellation proceeds
Old challans Often ignored
Serious challans RC cancellation delayed
Court cases RC cancellation blocked
Proper handling avoids future liability.
How Carbasket Helps Scrap Vehicles With Challans
At Carbasket, we understand that real-world cases are rarely “perfect”.
Our Support Includes:
- RC & challan status verification
- Parivahan & offline record assessment
- Guidance on which challans matter
- Supporting declarations & documentation
- Authorized dismantling
- Chassis plate cut & handover
- RC cancellation assistance
👉 We help scrap vehicles WITH challans where legally permissible — not illegally.
Myths vs Facts - Challans & Scrapping
❌ Myth: Challans automatically stop scrapping
✅ Fact: Only serious or court-linked challans do
❌ Myth: Fitness expiry clears challans
✅ Fact: Challans remain unless addressed
❌ Myth: Parivahan absence means illegal vehicle
✅ Fact: Many old vehicles are offline but valid
❌ Myth: COD can be issued anytime
✅ Fact: COD needs RC cancellation clearance
FAQs - Vehicle Challans & Scrapping
Can I scrap my vehicle with pending challans?
Yes, in many cases, depending on challan type.
Will I get a COD certificate?
Yes, if RC cancellation is approved.
Do I need to pay all challans?
Not always — only blocking ones.
What if challans are very old?
Often manageable with documentation.
Does Carbasket scrap vehicles with challans?
Yes, with proper legal support.
Final Takeaway: Challans Don’t Always Mean “No Scrapping”
Pending challans do not automatically disqualify your vehicle from scrapping. What matters is:
- Type of challan
- Legal severity
- RC & RTO jurisdiction
- Proper documentation
With Carbasket, you get:
- Honest legal guidance
- Safe dismantling
- RC cancellation support
- Protection from future liability
Scrap smart. Scrap legally. Scrap with Carbasket.
