Maharashtra cabinet approves 20 per cent relief on traffic e-challan fines
The Maharashtra Traffic Police E-Challan Amnesty Scheme 2026 offers a one-time concession to help vehicle owners clear unpaid penalties.
The Maharashtra cabinet approved the Maharashtra Traffic Police E-Challan Amnesty Scheme 2026 on Wednesday, providing a one-time concession of up to 20 per cent on outstanding traffic violation penalties. According to a report by Urban Acres, the scheme applies to pending penalties under the state's "one state, one e-challan" system.
Traffic police data reported by The Times of India 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 totaling Rs 8,678 crore.
Of these, 5.43 crore challans were cleared, generating Rs 2,953 crore in revenue, while 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.
Bal Malkit Singh, adviser and former president of the All India Motor Transport Congress, said the one-time discount would assist commercial transporters, fleet operators, and vehicle owners in settling old debts. He added that the move could foster better compliance and financial discipline.
The state currently generates nearly 15,000 new challans every day and operates a limited number of dedicated traffic courts. While officials have suggested using Lok Adalats to resolve disputes, the specific deadline and how the concession varies by offence category have not been specified.
A separate proposal by traffic police for portable road-safety counselling booths, involving two-hour awareness sessions for offenders, is currently awaiting government approval. Operational details regarding the payment process for the 2026 amnesty scheme are yet to be announced.