Sindh Government Enacts Stricter Motor Vehicle Laws to Curb Traffic Violations and Accidents

In a bold move to enhance road safety and reduce the rising number of traffic-related incidents, the Sindh government has approved significant amendments to its motor vehicle laws. The updated regulations include hefty fines for traffic violations, stricter vehicle monitoring, and a range of enforcement reforms aimed at making the province’s roads safer.

The decision comes after a dramatic rise in road accidents involving heavy vehicles in 2024, which resulted in nearly 500 fatalities and injured almost 5,000 people across the province.

Major Fines Under the New Traffic Law in Sindh

According to the new policy announced during a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar, the revised fines include:

• Driving the wrong way:
  • Government vehicles: Up to Rs. 200,000
  • Private vehicles: Rs. 100,000
  • Motorcyclists: Rs. 25,000
• Driving without a valid licence:
  • Car drivers: Rs. 50,000
  • Motorcyclists: Rs. 25,000

These changes aim to enforce discipline on the roads and deter dangerous driving behaviors.

Additional Measures Approved

1. Ban on Four-Seater Rickshaws:
   The government has imposed a complete ban on four-seater rickshaws. No new route permits or registrations will be issued. Violators will face strict action as part of an upcoming crackdown.
2. Mandatory Vehicle Fitness Certification:
   All vehicles will now be required to obtain fitness certification. The process may be outsourced to third-party services to improve transparency.
3. E-Challan Enforcement:
   Traffic violation tickets will be electronically delivered (e-challans) to the vehicle owner’s registered address. Vehicles with unpaid fines will not be allowed to transfer ownership or be sold.
4. Technology Integration for Heavy Vehicles:
   • Water tankers and dumpers must install trackers and sensors
   • All heavy vehicles must be equipped with at least five cameras for monitoring
5. Ban on Unauthorized Accessories:
   A province-wide ban on paper tints, sirens, and fancy lights has also been approved to improve visibility and reduce road distractions.
6. Rickshaw Regulation:
   Only one-plus-two rickshaws (driver + 2 passengers) will be allowed on the roads to control overcrowding and reduce accident risks.
7. New Traffic Magistrate and Digitization:
   The government will appoint a dedicated traffic magistrate, and all related systems including transport, excise, and challans will be moved online for better enforcement.

Final Approval Pending

A comprehensive draft of the updated vehicle laws and traffic regulations will be submitted to the Sindh government for final legislative approval. Once enacted, these reforms are expected to significantly improve road safety, especially in urban centers like Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available announcements and official briefings as of June 2025. Final implementation details and penalties may vary depending on the approved draft by the Sindh Cabinet. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the official website of the Sindh Excise and Transport Department.

Dev