The Bihar government has launched a one-time settlement scheme for outstanding traffic challans, aiming to ease the financial burden on vehicle owners and reduce pending cases in courts. The scheme, effective February 1, 2024, allows individuals to pay a reduced amount based on the violation date.
For challans issued before December 31, 2019, a one-time payment of ₹500 is applicable for two-wheelers, ₹1,000 for three-wheelers, and ₹2,000 for four-wheelers and other vehicles. Challans from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021, will incur a charge of ₹1,000 for two-wheelers, ₹2,000 for three-wheelers, and ₹4,000 for four-wheelers and other vehicles.
Violations recorded between January 1, 2022, and January 31, 2024, will be settled at ₹2,000 for two-wheelers, ₹4,000 for three-wheelers, and ₹8,000 for four-wheelers and other vehicles. The scheme applies to all pending challans filed by the Bihar Police related to traffic violations.
The Transport Department estimates approximately 6.8 lakh pending challans totaling over ₹650 crore. The government anticipates recovering a significant portion of this amount through the scheme. Vehicle owners can avail of the scheme online through the Parivahan portal or by visiting the District Transport Office (DTO).
The initiative aims to provide relief to citizens and streamline the process of challan settlement. It also intends to reduce the workload on courts burdened with traffic violation cases. The scheme is valid for three months, concluding on April 30, 2024. Failure to settle challans within this period will result in the full penalty amount being applicable, along with potential court proceedings. The scheme excludes cases involving serious offenses like driving under the influence of alcohol or causing accidents resulting in grievous injury or death.
