Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 10: The Karnataka government’s 50% discount scheme on pending traffic fines has witnessed an overwhelming response, with over Rs 54.30 crore collected in just 17 days. The scheme, which came into effect on August 23, will remain in force until September 12, providing vehicle owners a chance to clear their pending dues at reduced rates.

The state government introduced the 50% discount scheme to encourage settlement of long-pending traffic violation fines and promote compliance with traffic rules. The discount is applicable only for violations recorded in the e-challan system before February 11, 2023.

This includes offences such as signal jumping, zebra crossing violations, riding without helmets, number plate violations, and no-parking fines, among others.

According to Bengaluru traffic police, between August 23 and September 8, fines were paid in 19,36,556 pending cases, resulting in a total collection of over Rs 54 crore. Notably, within the very first week of the scheme, more than Rs 28 crore was collected, reflecting the strong response from the public.

Vehicle owners can check their pending challans online and pay fines through online payment, Karnataka One, Bengaluru One centers, or Paytm app or one can visit the nearest traffic police station with the vehicle registration number to clear dues and obtain a receipt.

The 50% discount offer will end on September 12. After this date, vehicles with unpaid fines may be seized by police or transport department officials, and owners will be required to pay the full penalty. To release a seized vehicle, owners would need to appear in court and settle the fine.

Traffic police have urged vehicle owners to make use of this limited-time opportunity and clear their dues at the earliest.