Major Traffic Rules Update in Punjab After 60 Years

Punjab introduces major traffic reforms for the first time in six decades, marking one of the biggest overhauls to the province’s road management system.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore, where 20 key changes to the old Traffic Act were approved.

Under the new rules, vehicles involved in repeated violations will be seized and auctioned. Even government vehicles will face heavy fines if they break traffic laws. Authorities have given a 30-day grace period to address wrong-way driving, while U-turns across major roads will be redesigned to ensure smoother and safer movement.

Officials also agreed that compensation (diyat) for families of accident victims will be released without delay. In another major step, marriage halls without proper parking plans will no longer receive construction approval, a move aimed at reducing congestion on busy roads.

A strict crackdown has been ordered to stop underage driving across Punjab. If a minor is found behind the wheel, the vehicle owner can face jail time of up to six months. Traveling on bus roofs has been banned with immediate effect, and in Lahore, Qingqi rickshaws have been completely removed from five model roads.

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The chief minister has also given Lahore’s administration a 30-day deadline to improve traffic flow in the city. Maryam Nawaz warned that if the traffic police fail to deliver, the government may form a new department to take over. She added that frequent violations and disorder on the roads show a weakening of state authority and must be brought under control.