Here’s What to Do If the Previous Owner Receives an E-Challan for a Sold Vehicle

News Article:

In several recent instances in major cities across Pakistan, vehicle sellers have been surprised to receive electronic traffic fines (e-challans) even after the sale of their vehicle. The problem usually arises when the vehicle ownership hasn't been officially transferred.

Why It Happens

When you sell a vehicle but the buyer fails to complete the ownership transfer with the Excise & Taxation Department, the vehicle remains registered in your name. If the new owner commits a traffic violation captured by cameras or automated systems, the fine gets issued in your name — since you are still the “registered owner” in the system. 

What You Should Do

If you receive an e-challan for a vehicle you no longer own, take the following steps:

Gather Proof of Sale – Collect all documentation of your vehicle sale: sale agreement/receipt, transfer application, and any communication with the buyer or excise office.

Visit the Local Traffic/Excise Office – Go to your nearest traffic police or excise & taxation office, bring your CNIC, the e-challan notice, and your proof of sale. Explain that the vehicle was sold before the violation date.

Request Verification & Update Ownership Records – Ask the officials to review the violation date vis-à-vis your sale date and, if confirmed, update the registration database to reflect that the vehicle is no longer under your name.

Keep Documentation Safe – Store copies of sale receipts, transfer forms, and any correspondence with authorities. These will help protect you in case of future problems.

Proactively Check Vehicle Status – After a sale, monitor the vehicle number and ownership records to ensure that future fines no longer go to your name. Also, verify that the buyer has moved the ownership.

Tips to Prevent This From Happening

Immediately after selling a vehicle, initiate the ownership transfer process through the excise department or via online portals like ePay Punjab.

Always advise the buyer to complete the transfer within the legally required time (often 30 days).

Before any sale, both seller and buyer should check for outstanding e-challans tied to the vehicle registration number. This avoids hidden liabilities.

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What Happens If You Don’t Act

If cross-check and transfer are delayed:

You may continue to receive fines for violations you didn’t commit.

Your own registration records may remain tied to the vehicle, complicating future sale, renewal or legal status.

In worst cases, the vehicle could be blocked or flagged because of unpaid dues in your name.