Maharashtra cabinet approves up to 20% discount on pending traffic challans

Mumbai, November 5, 2026: The Maharashtra cabinet on Thursday approved the Maharashtra Traffic Police Challan Abhay Yojana-2026. It is an amnesty scheme offering a one-time discount of up to 20 per cent on outstanding traffic fines. The aim is to get motorists to clear their dues and to increase compliance with traffic rules.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The scheme will be rolled out in phases. Different discount periods have been set for pending e-challans and for e-challans to be issued from now on.

In the first phase, a one-time discount of up to 20 per cent will be given on pending compoundable traffic challans issued between January 21, 2026 and October 31, 2026. Motorists will have 30 days to avail of the discount.

In addition, challans issued from November 1, 2026 will carry a 20 per cent early-payment discount, provided the fine is paid within 45 days of the challan being issued. This early-bird discount will remain in force for one year.

In the third phase, a discount of up to 20 per cent will be given on pending compoundable fines on challans issued between January 30, 2019 and January 20, 2026. This applies to cases in which recovery proceedings have already begun through the courts. The discount will be available for 30 days.

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, vehicle owners and drivers are fined for violating traffic rules. Maharashtra introduced the "One State, One Challan" system on January 30, 2019, to make it easier to issue and recover fines through e-challans. Under this system, motorists receive details of the violation and the fine on their mobile phones.

The traffic police have taken several steps to recover pending fines, but the response from motorists has been comparatively poor. The state government therefore decided to bring in this discount scheme, looking at similar initiatives in other states, so that recovery of fines rises and motorists follow the rules.

The cabinet also decided that once the scheme period ends, strict action will be taken against vehicles that repeatedly violate rules. In line with Rule 21 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and Supreme Court directions, this action may include suspension of the driving licence, a bar on transactions relating to the vehicle, and seizure of the vehicle.

The cabinet has also approved issuing a notification to bring the scheme formally into effect.