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Current Affairs

Bihar Introduces One-Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme 2026

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Bihar government launched the Traffic Challan One-Time Settlement Scheme 2026 effective from 9 May 2026, coinciding with the National Lok Adalat event. The scheme offers up to 50% relief on pending traffic e-challans issued before 31 March 2026 for specified minor traffic offences. It excludes serious offences such as dangerous driving under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and use of handheld mobile phones while driving. The scheme operates throughout the financial year 2026-27, with mandatory online payment mode. Patna High Court issued directions to ensure smooth conduct of settlement, including accessible Lok Adalat venues, security, crowd management, online payments only, and communication to registered vehicle owners.

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Key Facts

  • Name of Scheme: Traffic Challan One-Time Settlement Scheme, 2026
  • Notification Date: 30 April 2026
  • Effective Date: 9 May 2026 (National Lok Adalat)
  • Eligibility: E-challans pending for more than 90 days, issued on or before 31 March 2026
  • Relief Offered: Up to 50% reduction on penalties for specified minor traffic violations
  • Exclusions: Serious offences including dangerous driving under Section 184 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and using handheld mobile phones while driving
  • Mode of Payment: Mandatory online payment only; no cash accepted
  • Duration: Scheme valid during financial year 2026-27
  • Judicial Oversight: Patna High Court directives for facilitation and proper conduct of National Lok Adalat

Background & Context

Bihar has accumulated a large backlog of pending traffic challans, leading to revenue loss and enforcement challenges. To address this, the Bihar Cabinet approved a one-time settlement scheme providing partial relief on fines for certain offences to encourage compliance and clearance. The scheme coincides with the National Lok Adalat held on 9 May 2026, serving as a forum for amicable settlement of these cases. The Patna High Court issued comprehensive directions to ensure proper arrangements, including crowd management, online payment facilitation, security deployment, and notifying registered vehicle owners to ensure smooth execution.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This scheme is a significant recent initiative in Bihar’s governance relating to transport law enforcement, public administration, and revenue mobilization. It illustrates the use of legal mechanisms such as Lok Adalats to finalize pending disputes expediently. Understanding its provisions, scope, and judicial involvement is essential for questions related to state government policies, legal measures to improve traffic management, and digital transformations in public services in competitive exams.

Points to Remember

  • The scheme applies only to traffic e-challans that are over 90 days old as of 31 March 2026.
  • Only specified minor offences such as not wearing helmets or seat belts and driving without insurance are eligible for relief.
  • Serious offences like dangerous driving (Section 184 MVA) and using handheld phones are excluded and penalized fully.
  • The National Lok Adalat on 9 May 2026 is the designated platform for settlement.
  • Patna High Court mandated no cash payments; settlements must be completed via online payments.
  • Authorities were directed to ensure accessible venues, adequate security, clear communication, crowd and parking management.
  • A compliance report on collections and disposal from the Lok Adalat was to be submitted by 22 June 2026 to the Patna High Court.
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