Patna: Vehicle owners in Bihar may be able to settle eligible pending traffic e-challans at a concession of up to 50% during the third National Lok Adalat scheduled for September 12, 2026, according to the Transport Department.
The proposed relief covers eligible e-challans issued up to March 31, 2026. However, the concession will not apply to commercial vehicle violations or specified serious traffic offences.
Which Challans Can Get The Concession?
According to the department, the concession is intended primarily for eligible cases involving general traffic violations.
These may include offences such as:
- Riding without a helmet
- Driving without a seatbelt
- Driving without a valid driving licence
- Over-speeding
- Jumping red lights
- Violating stop signs
- Certain violations relating to driver appointment or authorisation
The exact concession will depend on the eligibility criteria prescribed for the particular e-challan.
Which Challans Are Excluded?
Not every pending e-challan will qualify for the 50% concession.
The Transport Department has clarified that commercial vehicle-related violations are excluded. Cases involving serious traffic offences will also not be covered under the concession.
Therefore, the age of the challan alone does not determine eligibility. Vehicle owners will need to check the date, nature and category of their individual challan before seeking settlement.
How Can Vehicle Owners Settle Old Challans?
Eligible vehicle owners can approach the National Lok Adalat at the district level on September 12 to seek settlement of their pending e-challans.
The Transport Department has asked officials to prepare an action plan and ensure that information about the concession reaches eligible vehicle owners.
Vehicle owners should check their pending challan details and eligibility in advance so that they can complete the settlement process without unnecessary delays.
Why The Lok Adalat Matters
The initiative provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to resolve eligible old traffic cases while potentially reducing the amount payable.
For people with multiple pending minor violations, the concession could help clear outstanding challans under the prescribed Lok Adalat process.
However, vehicle owners should not assume that every challan issued before March 31, 2026 will automatically qualify for the discount.
September 12 Is The Key Date
The third National Lok Adalat on September 12, 2026 will provide the designated forum for eligible e-challan settlements.
The Transport Department’s instructions are aimed at encouraging eligible vehicle owners to verify their challans and use the settlement opportunity where applicable.
