Punjab govt imposes stricter traffic fines to curb violations

LAHORE: The Punjab government has implemented significant revisions to the Motor Vehicle Act, introducing steep fines for various traffic offenses in an effort to enforce stricter road safety measures. These new penalties aim to improve road discipline, reduce accidents, and ensure better compliance with environmental and safety regulations across the province.

Under the revised rules, vehicles causing air pollution or emitting excessive smoke will face hefty fines. Motorcycles will be fined Rs. 5,000, while cars and jeeps will be penalized Rs. 10,000. Public service vehicles (PSVs) will incur a Rs. 15,000 fine, and heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) will face a penalty of Rs. 20,000 for emitting smoke.

In addition to pollution-related fines, parking violations have also been addressed. Parking in no-parking zones will result in fines ranging from Rs. 2,000 for motorcycles to Rs. 20,000 for HTVs. The act of throwing garbage from a moving vehicle will lead to penalties of Rs. 5,000 for motorcycles, Rs. 10,000 for cars and jeeps, Rs. 15,000 for PSVs, and Rs. 20,000 for HTVs.

The revised law also imposes fines for driving without a seatbelt, with penalties of Rs. 10,000 for cars and jeeps, Rs. 15,000 for PSVs, and Rs. 20,000 for HTVs. The penalties for underage driving are particularly steep, with fines reaching up to Rs. 100,000 for HTVs.

Other offenses include the use of mobile phones while driving, with fines starting at Rs. 5,000 for motorcycles and escalating to Rs. 20,000 for HTVs. Motorcycles carrying more than two passengers will be fined Rs. 5,000. Parking on footpaths or obstructing roads will attract fines ranging from Rs. 2,000 for motorcycles to Rs. 20,000 for HTVs.

These stringent fines are part of the Punjab government’s broader effort to promote safe driving, ensure cleaner roads, and reduce traffic accidents in the region. The move has been welcomed by those who believe stricter penalties will help improve road safety, though some have raised concerns about the affordability of such fines for lower-income drivers.