Punjab Updates Traffic Laws After 60 Years — FIRs, Bans, and More!
The Punjab Government has initiated a sweeping reform of the province’s decades‑old traffic framework, unveiling 20 significant amendments to the Punjab Traffic Act, the first significant update in more than six decades.
Maryam Nawaz has mandated that cities all over Punjab implement the new rules within 30 days, setting the stage for stricter enforcement and a complete overhaul of road‑safety norms.
What’s Changing: Key Amendments at a Glance
Fines and Penalties Overhauled
The new ordinance dramatically increases fines for common violations such as overspeeding, signal-jumping, rash driving, overloading, and smoke emissions. The system now includes e‑challans and penalty points that can lead to license suspension after repeated offences.
Vehicle Impoundment for Repeat Offenders
Vehicles accruing multiple challans may be impounded, have their registration suspended, or even be auctioned off. Government vehicles are no longer exempt from these penalties.
FIRs and Jail Time for No License
Driving without a valid license or fitness certificate, or permitting underage driving, may now lead to FIRs, imprisonment (for vehicle owners), or license suspension — a strong deterrent against reckless driving.
Safety Measures: The Qingqi Ban
New rules prohibit dangerous practices such as riding on bus rooftops and ban motorcycle‑rickshaws (Qingqi rickshaws) on five major roads in Lahore to ease congestion and improve public‑transport safety.
Traffic Flow and Urban Congestion Controls
One‑way violations must be eliminated within 30 days; U‑turns will be redesigned; parking will be regulated more strictly, including restrictions on parking on flyovers, overhead bridges, and main highways (in cities like Lahore). Officials also plan to implement mandatory parking at venues like marriage halls.
Enforcement and Timeline
Maryam Nawaz Sharif has given traffic authorities a strict 30-day deadline to demonstrate noticeable improvements across major cities. Enforcement agencies, led by the Punjab Police, are tasked with upholding the new laws.
Crucially, government vehicles that violate traffic laws will face the same penalties as civilian vehicles, underscoring the law’s non-discriminatory application.
Outlook and Public Awareness
The Punjab Government is expected to roll out comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the updated rules, the increased fines, and the serious legal consequences. These reforms are likely to trigger corresponding regulatory adjustments in public transport, vehicle registration, and related insurance sectors.
