Most people think scrapping a vehicle is a simple handover. Give the car, sign a form, and move on. That assumption usually breaks when paperwork starts. Things get more confusing when old traffic challans show up without warning. This happens often in cities where everything is digitally tracked, especially during car scrap in Ahmedabad, where even forgotten fines from years ago appear instantly. At that point, owners realise scrapping is not just about metal value. There are legal steps involved, and skipping them can create problems later. Knowing how the process actually works makes a big difference.
What the COD Certificate Really Means in Practice
A COD certificate, also called a Certificate of Destruction, is the document that officially tells the transport department that the vehicle no longer exists. Until this certificate is issued and accepted, the vehicle is still alive on paper. That means the registration is active, the number plate is traceable, and responsibility still sits with the owner. Many people assume scrapping ends everything automatically. It does not. The COD certificate is what actually closes the file.
Why Old Traffic Challans Suddenly Appear
Traffic challans today are stored digitally and linked to the registration number. Even challans that were never physically delivered remain in the system. When a scrapping request is initiated, the transport department checks these databases automatically. This is why fines from years ago suddenly show up when the owner least expects them. From the government’s perspective, these are unpaid dues. The age or condition of the vehicle does not change that.
Can You Scrap the Vehicle Without Paying Challans
This is where most confusion exists. Yes, the vehicle can be physically scrapped. A scrap yard can dismantle it. But legal closure is a different matter. In most cases, authorized scrapping facilities will not issue the final COD certificate until the transport office clears the record. If challans are pending, clearance is delayed. So while the vehicle may be gone, the paperwork is not finished.
How Scrapping Usually Works When Challans Are Still Pending
Most people hope there is an easy way around this, but there usually is not. It makes sense to first check if the vehicle number has any unpaid challans attached to it. Doing this early clears a lot of uncertainty. Once the fines are visible, paying them through official channels is the safest move. Keeping the payment proof might feel unnecessary at the time, but many owners realise its importance only when someone asks for it later.
Problems That Arise When Challans Are Ignored
When challans are not cleared, deregistration remains incomplete. The vehicle stays active in records. This leads to unexpected issues. Notices may still arrive. Fines may increase. In rare situations, misuse of the registration number after scrapping has resulted in legal trouble for owners who thought the matter was closed. What feels like a small unpaid fine can turn into a long term problem.
Keeping the Entire Process Simple and Calm
The easiest way to avoid trouble is to deal with challans early. Clear dues before handing over the vehicle and insist on using authorized scrapping facilities only. Keep copies of all receipts, acknowledgments, and certificates. These documents matter more than people realize. Whenever possible, complete the scrapping process in the same state where the vehicle is registered. This reduces coordination delays and unnecessary follow ups. There is no benefit in rushing. A few extra days of patience can prevent months of legal confusion.
Why Some Vehicles Get Stuck in the Scrapping Process
Not every vehicle moves through scrapping at the same speed. Sometimes a challan shows up simply because a number plate was read incorrectly or an old entry was never cleaned up. Sorting this out usually takes more than a few days. Vehicles linked to accidents or any police or court matter tend to sit longer because approvals come from multiple places. Loans add another layer. Until the bank confirms closure with a no objection letter, deregistration stays on hold, which surprises many owners at the end.
Mistakes That Often Create Bigger Problems
One common mistake is trusting scrap dealers who promise paperwork without verification. If a dealer is not authorized, any certificate they issue may be useless later. Another mistake people make is to assume that unpaid challans will not show. Digital records stay active, regardless of how old the fine is. Some vehicle owners make the mistake of handing over the vehicle first and then check legal status later. This usually leads to panic when issues surface and the vehicle is already gone.
Conclusion
Scrapping a vehicle is not just about disposal. It is about closing a record that has existed for years. Pending challans do not stop scrapping forever, but ignoring them complicates everything. When dues are settled and the COD certificate is issued properly, the process ends cleanly. Handled carefully, scrapping brings relief. Handled casually, it leaves unfinished business.
