Sindh Tightens Rules on Heavy Commercial Vehicles

The Sindh government has announced sweeping new regulations aimed at transforming road safety and accountability in the province. The amended Sindh Motor Vehicle Rules, notified on Tuesday, introduce strict age limits for heavy commercial vehicles, mandatory safety systems, and stringent penalties for non-compliance.

Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, who also heads the transport department, said the measures are designed to safeguard lives, reduce accidents, and bring transparency to the traffic system. Poorly maintained buses and trucks, particularly in Karachi, have long been blamed for deadly mishaps on the roads.

Age Limits for Commercial Vehicles

The new rules specify clear age caps for vehicles operating on different routes:

• Within cities: Maximum age – 35 years
• Inter-city routes: Maximum age – 25 years
• Inter-provincial routes: Maximum age – 20 years

Older vehicles will no longer be issued permits, ensuring that only safer, roadworthy vehicles remain in operation.

Mandatory Fitness Certificates

All heavy vehicles must now hold a valid fitness certificate issued only by transport department–approved centres. Vehicles failing to meet roadworthiness standards will face strict penalties, with fines payable online directly to the provincial government.

Penalties for Violations

• First offense: Standard fine
• Second offense: Up to Rs. 200,000
• Third offense: Up to Rs. 300,000
• Persistent non-compliance: Temporary impounding or permanent cancellation of registration

A one-year transition period has been allowed, during which vehicles must pass roadworthiness tests. Minor infractions will attract lighter fines initially, but repeat violations will be dealt with harshly.

Mandatory Safety and Monitoring Systems

To enhance accountability, both heavy and light commercial vehicles must now install advanced safety equipment, including:

• GPS trackers
• Front and rear HD cameras
• Driver monitoring cameras
• 360-degree surveillance systems
• Underrun protection guards to protect smaller vehicles and motorcycles

These systems must remain fully operational at all times. Vehicles without them will not be registered, issued permits, or allowed ownership transfers.

Saving Lives and Restoring Order

Minister Memon emphasized that the new laws are not just regulatory but lifesaving:

“The new rules are about saving lives and restoring order to the transport system.”

The Sindh government’s decisive steps mark a turning point in addressing long-standing transport challenges, particularly in Karachi. By focusing on roadworthiness, technology, and accountability, the new policy aims to significantly reduce accidents and modernize the province’s transport system.

Afsheen Gohar

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