In a move aimed at easing the burden of unpaid traffic fines and encouraging compliance, the Karnataka government has announced a one-time 50% waiver on penalties issued under the Police Department’s mobile e-challan system. The concession will be available for a limited window between August 23 and September 12, according to a government order dated August 21.
Mobile e-challans are digital traffic violation notices delivered to offenders through SMS or email, forming part of the state’s push toward paperless enforcement and road safety monitoring. Over the years, lakhs of such challans have accumulated, with many motorists yet to clear dues.
For motorists wishing to settle pending fines, the Bengaluru Traffic Police has made payment options accessible via its official website (btp.gov.in), the traffic police mobile app, or by visiting the nearest traffic police station.
“Our government is committed to road safety, law-abiding behaviour, and public convenience. Pay your pending fines during this concession period and ensure that you follow traffic rules,” the chief minister appealed.
With the concession window closing on September 12, the government has signaled that motorists may not get another chance soon.
Mobile e-challans are digital traffic violation notices delivered to offenders through SMS or email, forming part of the state’s push toward paperless enforcement and road safety monitoring. Over the years, lakhs of such challans have accumulated, with many motorists yet to clear dues.
Scope of the concession
The order clarified that the scheme applies exclusively to cases recorded through the Police Department’s e-challan platform. While the Commissioner of Transport and Road Safety had suggested a similar concession for older cases registered under the Transport Department prior to 2018–19, the government chose to restrict the relief to traffic police cases alone.For motorists wishing to settle pending fines, the Bengaluru Traffic Police has made payment options accessible via its official website (btp.gov.in), the traffic police mobile app, or by visiting the nearest traffic police station.
Govt’s appeal to citizens
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged citizens to take advantage of the offer while it lasts. Posting on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he wrote that the government’s goal is not only to help clear backlogs but also to promote a culture of safe and responsible driving.“Our government is committed to road safety, law-abiding behaviour, and public convenience. Pay your pending fines during this concession period and ensure that you follow traffic rules,” the chief minister appealed.
Why it matters
Pending traffic challans remain a significant concern for urban law enforcement, especially in Bengaluru, where violations ranging from speeding to signal jumping are recorded daily. By offering a temporary concession, the state hopes to encourage large-scale settlement of old cases while reminding motorists of their responsibility toward road discipline.With the concession window closing on September 12, the government has signaled that motorists may not get another chance soon.
