Patna Traffic Police. File Photo
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Bihar government has announced a major relief for motorists by approving a scheme to settle pending traffic e-challans. At a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, the “One-Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme–2026” was given the green light.
Under the scheme, vehicle owners can clear their outstanding e-challans by paying just 50 per cent of the total amount. The decision is expected to provide direct financial relief to lakhs of motorists who have long been burdened by pending fines.
Officials said the move has generated considerable enthusiasm among the public, as it offers an opportunity to resolve old cases at half the cost and avoid legal complications.
The scheme covers a wide range of violations, including riding without a helmet, not wearing a seat belt, lack of valid vehicle insurance, traffic rule violations, and other related offences. By opting for the one-time settlement, vehicle owners can clear their dues and regularise their records.
Violations eligible for concession include: Jumping traffic signals; Driving without a seat belt; Expiry of vehicle validity; Riding without a helmet; Triple riding and dangerous driving; Lack of required documents; Using a mobile phone while driving and Other traffic-related offences.
Cases where e-challans have been pending for more than 90 days will be disposed of through the National Lok Adalat, which is expected to speed up the process and reduce the burden on courts.
The scheme has come into effect immediately and will remain valid until the financial year 2026–27. The Transport Department has also fixed a minimum penalty amount under the scheme to ensure transparency and clarity for the public.
The government said the initiative is aimed not only at boosting revenue but also at raising awareness about traffic rules. Officials believe that once old dues are cleared, motorists will be more mindful of adhering to regulations in future.
Apart from financial relief, the scheme is expected to ease administrative hurdles faced by vehicle owners, such as delays in registration, transfer, and other official processes caused by pending challans.
According to the Transport Department, the initiative will also help the government by enabling quicker disposal of a large number of pending cases, increasing revenue collection, and reducing administrative pressure.
Experts have welcomed the move, stating that it will benefit both the public and the government by offering financial relief while ensuring faster resolution of long-pending cases.
The “One-Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme–2026” is being seen as a significant step towards improving traffic management in Bihar and promoting a stronger culture of compliance with road safety norms.
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