By The Punjab Government has launched a historic reform of its traffic system by approving 20 major amendments to the Punjab Traffic Act, marking the most significant update in more than 60 years. The move aims to modernize road-safety standards, reduce violations, and impose stricter consequences for reckless driving across the province.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed all districts to fully implement the new regulations within 30 days, signaling a zero-tolerance policy toward traffic indiscipline. Authorities are expected to demonstrate visible improvements in city traffic within this deadline.
Stricter Fines and Digital Enforcement
A key highlight of the reform is the substantial increase in fines for common traffic violations. Offences such as overspeeding, signal jumping, lane violations, overloading, rash driving, and smoke emissions will now come with significantly higher penalties.
The revised traffic framework introduces:
- E-challans for automated enforcement
- Penalty points on licenses
- License suspension after repeated violations
- Vehicle impoundment or auction for accumulating multiple unpaid challans
- No exemption for government vehicles
For the first time, government-owned vehicles will face the same penalties as private cars, ensuring equal application of the law.
Criminal Liability for Severe Violations
The new amendments impose strict consequences for serious offences such as:
- Driving without a valid license
- Allowing underage driving
- Operating a vehicle without a fitness certificate
These violations may lead to FIRs, imprisonment for owners, and license suspension, presenting a strong legal deterrent against careless and illegal driving practices.
Safety-Centric Restrictions and Urban Road Reforms
To improve safety and reduce congestion, the government has introduced several new operational restrictions:
Bans and Prohibitions
- Riding on the rooftops of buses is now strictly prohibited.
- Qingqi (motorcycle-rickshaws) have been banned on five major roads in Lahore, enhancing traffic flow and safety.
Urban Road Management
Additional measures include:
- Mandatory elimination of one-way violations within 30 days
- Redesigning U-turns for better traffic movement
- Strict regulation of public and private parking
- A ban on parking on flyovers, overhead bridges, and major highways in major cities
- Mandatory dedicated parking for venues such as marriage halls
These reforms aim to reduce bottlenecks and ensure smoother urban mobility.
Enforcement Led by Punjab Police
The Punjab Police and other enforcement agencies have been instructed to implement the ordinance aggressively. With clear political backing and a defined timeline, authorities are expected to ensure compliance across all districts.
A New Era of Road Safety in Punjab
The sweeping traffic reforms mark a major step toward creating safer, more disciplined roads. With higher penalties, equal treatment of government and private vehicles, and strict timelines, the Punjab government aims to bring meaningful change to the province’s traffic culture.
