Maharashtra cabinet approves 20 per cent relief on traffic fines
The Maharashtra Traffic Police E-Challan Amnesty Scheme 2026 offers a one-time concession to help vehicle owners settle long-pending penalties.
The Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday approved the Maharashtra Traffic Police E-Challan Amnesty Scheme 2026, providing a one-time concession of up to 20 per cent on outstanding traffic penalties. According to a report by Urban Acres, the scheme applies to pending fines under the state's "one state, one e-challan" system.
Traffic police data shows that unpaid e-challans issued since 2019 have reached Rs 5,724 crore. Between January 2019 and August 2026, authorities issued 12.8 crore e-challans with penalties totalling Rs 8,678 crore. While 5.43 crore challans were cleared for Rs 2,953 crore, 7.2 crore challans remain pending.
Officials stated the amnesty is expected to encourage voluntary payments and reduce the burden on the enforcement and adjudication system. The state faces pressure as nearly 15,000 new challans are generated every day, while dedicated traffic courts remain limited.
Bal Malkit Singh, adviser and former president of the All India Motor Transport Congress, welcomed the move. He said the concession would assist vehicle owners, fleet operators, and commercial transporters in managing old dues while improving compliance and financial discipline.
The government has also proposed portable road-safety counselling booths for offenders, though this proposal is separate from the amnesty and awaits approval. Specific details regarding the deadline for payments and how the concession varies by offence category have not yet been specified.