Punjab Government Proposes Mandatory Fitness Certificates for Motorcycles to Combat Air Pollution

In a decisive step to curb rising air pollution levels, the Punjab government is moving forward with legislation that would require mandatory fitness certificates for motorcycles—a significant shift in the province’s approach to vehicle emissions and road safety.

Currently, fitness certifications are only mandatory for cars and other motor vehicles. However, this is set to change with the introduction of amendments under the “Provincial Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2025.” The bill, which proposes updates to the decades-old Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1965, seeks to include “motorcycle” explicitly in Section 38-A, aligning it with existing vehicle regulations.

The proposed legislation has been forwarded to a relevant committee within the Punjab Assembly, which is expected to present its report within two months.

Why Motorcycles Are in Focus?

According to transport officials, motorcycles account for approximately 85% of daily commuting in Punjab. Despite their widespread use, these vehicles have largely escaped the regulatory scrutiny applied to cars and public transport. This gap has allowed many motorcycles—particularly older models with poor maintenance—to become significant contributors to airborne pollutants and smog, especially during winter months.

The introduction of annual fitness checks will ensure that motorcycles meet minimum emissions and safety standards, potentially removing high-polluting vehicles from the roads and encouraging better maintenance practices among owners.

Environmental and Safety Impact

Government officials argue that the initiative will support broader environmental goals, including the reduction of smog, improvement in air quality, and mitigation of climate change effects. It also aligns with Pakistan’s national and provincial commitments toward sustainable development and cleaner transportation systems.

If passed, the law will require motorcycle owners to obtain a fitness certificate annually, much like the existing process for other vehicles. This move is expected to have a lasting impact on both public health and urban mobility across Punjab.

Afsheen Gohar

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