Stories
Delhi Traffic Challans: 73% Fines Unpaid — Police Chase Defaulters
- •Delhi faces a massive pile-up of unpaid traffic fines, with nearly 73% of challans and camera-generated notices pending as of September 28, 2026.
- •Camera-generated notices account for the largest backlog, with 3.4 crore out of 4.5 crore issued still pending, a 75.8% pendency rate.
- •Speeding is the biggest source of unpaid fines, contributing 1.7 crore to cumulative pending challans and leading violations recorded this year.
- •Complex payment processes, inconsistent SMS alerts, and motorists waiting for Lok Adalats contribute to the high number of unpaid challans.
- •Authorities are expanding payment options via BBPS and WhatsApp, adding weekend hearings, and the Supreme Court suggests linking unpaid fines to electricity bills and flagging vehicles on the Parivahan portal to improve recovery.
Key Questions Answered
As of September 28, 2026, nearly 73% of total traffic challans and camera-generated notices issued in Delhi remained pending. Specifically, camera-generated notices had a pendency rate of 75.8%, with 3.4 crore pending out of 4.5 crore issued.
Speeding accounts for the largest share of Delhi's cumulative pending traffic challans, reaching 1.7 crore pending violations up to September 28, 2026. It also leads the list of recorded violations for the year, followed by improper parking and riding without a helmet.
The Supreme Court suggested linking unpaid traffic challan fines to electricity bills as a potential measure to improve recovery and address outstanding e-challan dues across states and Union Territories. Additional measures discussed included flagging vehicles on the Parivahan portal and restricting ownership transfers or vehicle-related services.
