Maharashtra cabinet approves 20% discount on pending traffic fines under Abhay Yojana 2026

The state cabinet has approved the implementation of the Maharashtra Traffic Police's "Challan Abhay Yojana 2026". Under the decision, drivers and vehicle owners with outstanding fines will get a 20 per cent discount on the amount due.

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, fines are imposed on drivers and vehicle owners who break traffic rules. The "One State One Challan" project was launched in the state on January 30, 2019 for the recovery and enforcement of these fines. The system for issuing challans was also started along with it.

Under this system, fines are collected from violators through e-challans and messages are sent to their mobile phones. Several methods are being used for recovery, but the response from the public has been very poor.

Other states in the country have offered discounts on fines to increase recovery and encourage people to follow traffic rules. Similarly, Maharashtra has decided to give a one-time discount of up to 20 per cent on pending fines that can be settled.

The "Maharashtra Traffic Police Abhay Yojana 2026" will be run in the state in three phases.

Phase 1 offers a one-time discount of up to 20 per cent on the total outstanding amount of challans issued in Maharashtra between January 21, 2026 and October 31, 2026 and pending for recovery. The discount will be valid for 30 days.

Phase 2 covers challans issued after November 1, 2026. If the vehicle owner or owners pay the fine within 45 days of the date the challan is issued, an early-payment discount of 20 per cent will be given on all such challans. This discount will be valid for one year.

Phase 3 covers transferable challans filed in court for recovery between January 30, 2019 and January 20, 2026. A discount of up to 20 per cent will be given on the total outstanding amount of these challans, valid for 30 days.

After the Abhay Yojana period ends, action will be taken under Rule 21 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and the Supreme Court's directions. Vehicles found repeatedly violating traffic rules will face action such as licence suspension, suspension of vehicle use and seizure of the vehicle.

The cabinet has also approved the notification for the Abhay Yojana.