No Forced E-Challan Payments: Maharashtra Traffic Police Issue New Guidelines
Mumbai, 11th March 2026: The Maharashtra State Traffic Police Department has issued strict instructions to all Police Commissioners and Superintendents across the state regarding the recovery of pending e-challan fines and the conduct of traffic officers. This move follows a series of complaints from transport unions concerning the harassment of drivers and the illegal detention of vehicles.
In an official communication dated March 4, 2026, Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), Pravin Salunkhe, highlighted several critical issues raised during a high-level meeting on March 2, chaired by the Maharashtra Transport Minister. The meeting included representatives from various transport organizations who had originally planned a nationwide strike on March 5, 2026.
According to the official circular, transport unions reported that traffic police frequently stop vehicles on the road without valid cause and coerce drivers into paying pending e-challan fines immediately. Other grievances included the prolonged detention of vehicles, illegal demands for money, and the unauthorized seizure of vehicles and documents. Furthermore, the unions reported instances of verbal abuse and threatening behavior by traffic personnel.
The State Transport Minister expressed deep dissatisfaction over these reports, noting that such conduct by the traffic police has significantly tarnished the department’s public image.
ADG Salunkhe clarified that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) dated November 11, 2024, is already in place to govern e-challan recovery and vehicle seizures.
The guidelines explicitly state the following:
No Forced Payments: Police officers are prohibited from forcing drivers to pay pending e-challan fines on the spot.
Voluntary Settlement: If a driver is willing to pay compounded fines for pending cases, it should be accepted; however, vehicle seizure is strictly reserved for instances mandated by court orders.
Professional Conduct: Traffic police must maintain professional, courteous, and polite behavior toward all drivers.
The department has warned that any police officer or staff member found violating these directives or the established SOP will face strict disciplinary action. All senior police officials have been instructed to ensure that these guidelines are strictly enforced within their jurisdictions.
