Nationwide Lok Adalat on Dec 13 to clear traffic fines; major discounts on pending challans

New Delhi: A nationwide National Lok Adalat is scheduled for December 13, offering a major chance to settle pending traffic challans and minor compoundable cases with huge discounts — from 50 per cent to even 100 per cent in many states.

Minor violations such as not wearing a helmet/seat belt, signal jumping, wrong parking, normal over-speeding, missing PUC and old e-challans can be resolved on the spot.

However, serious offences like drunk driving, hit-and-run, dangerous driving or cases involving injury or death are not covered.

Vehicle owners must first check pending challans on the Parivahan or respective state police portals, save/print the details, and book a token if required.

Eligible violations to pay challans

- Driving without a seatbelt or helmet

- Jumping traffic signals

- Overspeeding

- Wrong parking

- Driving without a valid PUC certificate

- Driving without a license

- Missing number plate or vehicle fitness certificate

- Incorrectly issued challans

Which States?

During this one-day event, traffic violations that are eligible for compounding may be resolved outside the regular court system. States known to be involved include Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Rajasthan and West Bengal.

How to pay?

On the Lok Adalat day, individuals must visit the designated court/traffic court with their RC, driving licence, ID proof and challan documents. Judges and traffic officials will apply the fine reduction, and in many cases, a complete waiver for older minor cases.

After paying the finalised amount through cash or UPI, a Lok Adalat settlement order will be issued, confirming permanent closure of the case with no future reopening.