By The Punjab chief minister’s office has announced a major policy shift: the provincial government has decided in principle to issue motorcycle licenses and smart cards to 16-year-olds. The decision comes in response to widespread public anger after a stringent traffic crackdown resulted in over 4,600 cases and nearly 3,100 arrests within just 72 hours, many of them schoolchildren.
Backlash Over Arrests of Minors
Parents from across the province spoke out sharply against the crackdown, accusing authorities of mishandling the situation and creating criminal records for minors over traffic violations. Many argued that such actions could severely impact the students’ academic and professional futures. Critics described the arrests as unnecessary, extreme, and disproportionate to the offenses committed.
According to the chief minister’s office, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed strong dissatisfaction after learning that minors had been handcuffed for not possessing licenses or safety gear. Officials emphasized that the purpose of traffic enforcement was to protect young people—not criminalize them.
New Policy: Licenses for 16-Year-Old Riders
To prevent similar incidents, the government has approved the issuance of motorcycle licenses and smart cards to 16-year-olds. This move aims to bring young riders into a proper legal framework rather than penalizing them harshly.
Traffic police across Punjab will soon launch a student-focused awareness week, educating young riders on safe riding practices, helmet use, and basic traffic rules.
Warnings Instead of Fines for First-Time Offenders
Under the revised policy:
- First-time offenders who fail to wear helmets will receive warnings, not fines.
- The emphasis will shift from punishment to education and awareness.
Drones & Body Cameras for Transparent Enforcement
In a first for Punjab’s traffic system, police will use:
- Drones
- Body-worn cameras
These tools will help monitor violations more transparently and reduce complaints of unfair treatment.
Role of Parents Highlighted
CM Maryam Nawaz stressed that parents must take greater responsibility for teaching their children about road safety. She noted that many minors involved in accidents or violations had never been properly trained or told about the importance of helmets.
“The problem is not enforcement—it’s a lack of guidance,” she said. “Our goal is not to arrest minors, but to ensure they follow the law safely.”
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is based on official statements and publicly available announcements from the Punjab chief minister’s office regarding the revised traffic enforcement policies and the issuance of motorcycle licenses to 16-year-olds. Policies, procedures, and enforcement measures may change, and readers are advised to verify details through official government channels for the most accurate and updated information.
