Punjab Police May Allow Teen Motorcyclists With New ‘Juvenile Driving Permit’
Lahore – The Punjab Police are considering a Juvenile Driving Permit (JDP) that would allow 16- to 18-year-olds to ride motorcycles legally under certain conditions. The change could impact around 7 million teens in the province and aims to address unlicensed riding while improving road safety.
The proposal comes amid ongoing concerns about underage driving, which the Punjab government has consistently opposed. Recent crackdowns on underage riders, including students, gained public attention after viral videos showed handcuffed students in school uniforms being presented in court. The police argue that outright bans have led to enforcement challenges and rising unlicensed teenage riders.
Key Insight
Punjab Police is proposing a Juvenile Driving Permit or JDP to an existing problem of unlicensed teenage motorcyclists
Punjab IGP Dr. Usman Anwar has submitted proposals to the Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, to amend the Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1965, and the Motor Vehicle Rules, 1969. The JDP would create a structured, monitored framework for young riders, promoting responsible driving and safer roads.
Lahore CTO Athar Waheed noted that countries like India, Malaysia, New Zealand, and parts of the US and EU allow supervised or restricted permits for 16- and 17-year-olds.
Alongside the JDP, the IGP also suggested removing the “notified roads” rule to make seat belts mandatory for all vehicle drivers on public roads, improving safety across Punjab.
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