Punjab to Auction Vehicles for Repeat Traffic Offences

News Desk

Lahore: Days after the Punjab government rolled out steep fines and stricter penalties under revamped traffic regulations, it has emerged that vehicles involved in repeated violations will now be auctioned, marking one of the toughest enforcement measures introduced so far.

During a meeting on the development of a modern traffic management system on Friday, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was briefed on 20 major reforms incorporated into the 60-year-old Traffic Act.

Officials highlighted that the updated rules impose fines even on government vehicles, reflecting the administration’s push for uniform enforcement.

The meeting was told that authorities have been given a 30-day deadline to completely eliminate one-way violations across the province. It was also revealed that in cases of underage driving, vehicle owners could face imprisonment of up to six months.

A province-wide crackdown has been ordered against individuals travelling on the roofs of buses, while Qingqi rickshaws have been banned from operating on five model roads in Lahore.

“Traffic issues must be resolved across all cities, including Lahore,” CM Maryam said, emphasizing that penalties must apply equally to everyone without exception.

On parking requirements, officials informed the chief minister that marriage halls will no longer be permitted to function without adequate parking space.

The government also decided to provide immediate compensation to the families of citizens killed in traffic accidents.

Heavy penalties under the new ordinance

According to the ordinance signed by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, motorists driving without a fitness certificate now face fines of up to Rs100,000 and possible imprisonment. Using non-standard vehicle window glass may also lead to a jail term of up to six months.

Violations of one-way traffic rules carry penalties of up to Rs50,000 or six months’ imprisonment.

Front-seat passengers must wear seat belts or face strict penalties, while the punishment for underage driving has been doubled. Parents and guardians will also be held legally accountable.

Fines for smoke-emitting vehicles have been set at Rs2,000 for motorcycles, Rs3,000 for three-wheelers, Rs8,000 for private cars, and Rs15,000 for public transport.

Overspeeding penalties have been raised by up to 300%, with motorcycles fined Rs2,000 and cars Rs5,000.

For overloading, fines include Rs3,000 for three-wheelers, Rs5,000 for vehicles under 2,000cc, Rs10,000 for larger vehicles, and Rs15,000 for trailers.

Violating traffic signals will incur fines of Rs2,000 for motorcycles, Rs3,000 for three-wheelers, Rs5,000 for cars, Rs10,000 for 2,000cc vehicles, and Rs15,000 for vehicles above 2,000cc.

Strict action is also planned against the use of yellow, fake, or non-standard number plates, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders. Motorists without registration documents or proof of ownership will also face legal consequences.