Delhi govt to give one-time chance & rebate to clear traffic fines

The Delhi government is likely to launch one-time amnesty scheme that offers 50-70% waiver on outstanding traffic challans, TOI reported. The move, which could bring relief to lakhs of vehicle owners, is expected to roll out in the next few months.

The scheme aims at reducing the massive backlog of unpaid challans and ease the burden on the judicial system. According to the report, officials indicated violators may be given a 2-3-month window to pay the reduced fines.

A transport department official said the proposal was discussed at a high-level meeting. "This will be a one-time relaxation for two-, three-, and four-wheeler owners. People should treat it as an opportunity to clear dues because stricter penalties, such as registration cancellation, could follow," the official told TOI.

"The idea is to clear long-pending challans without the fear of massive penalties, reduce court caseloads, and improve compliance," another senior official said.

The scheme will extend to both traffic and transport challans.

While the transport department issues challans for violations like expired pollution clearance certificates (PUCC), wrong-side driving, and overloading, traffic police handle offences including helmetless riding, red-light jumping, and speeding.

However, only non-serious violations will be provide with relief. Offences like drunk driving, unauthorised driving, and driving without a valid licence, and other serious offences will not be covered in the scheme.

E-challans are provided with photographic proof and are considered better mechanisms to deal with violators. Traffic policemen or transport department enforcement teams often use an app to record violations, which they capture on their phone. A text notice informs the violator on his registered phone about the infraction and the fine can be paid online on the website.

However, many violators do not pay, waiting for Lok Adalat sessions where fines are often reduced.

The absence of interest or penalties on delayed payments also discourages timely compliance. Infrastructure issues - faulty signals, poor signage, and confusing road layouts - further contribute to disputes and non-payment.

Currently, minor (compoundable) challans can be settled on the spot, while serious (non-compoundable) ones go through virtual or district courts, adding to the legal backlog.

"If this scheme doesn't see proper response, the department may take stricter measures like cancelling registrations," an official warned.

"Under Union road transport ministry rules, the transport department has even the authority to disallow those with multiple pending challans from accessing online transactions related to their vehicles by putting it in 'not to be transacted' category on the Vahan portal," the official said.