Traffic fines increased on national highways

Revised fines will come into effect on October 1

RAWALPINDI:

The fines for traffic rule violations on National Highways and Motorways have been increased, with seven new codes for traffic violations being introduced.

According to sources, these changes will initially apply to light transport vehicles, including motorcars, jeeps, and support utility vehicles, starting from October 1.

Under the revised schedule 12, authorities have raised fines for 25 codes applicable to motor cars, jeeps, and support utility vehicles by over two hundred per cent, in addition to adding seven new violation codes.

The updated fines include a fine of Rs2,500 for speeding, up from Rs750, and an Rs1,500 fine for wrong overtaking, previously Rs300.

Fines for not giving way to other entitled vehicles have increased from Rs300 to Rs1,000.

Driving without a license will now incur a fine of Rs5,000, up from Rs750, while obstructing emergency service vehicles and ambulances will result in a fine of Rs5,000, increased from Rs500. The fine for inadequate lighting at night has risen from Rs1,000 to Rs5,000, and driving on the wrong side of the road now carries a fine of Rs2,500, up from Rs500.

Negligent driving has a new fine of Rs1,500, increased from Rs300, while not stopping at a stop sign will result in a fine of Rs3,000, up from Rs500. Driving too close to another vehicle or cutting will be penalised with a Rs1,000 fine, up from Rs300. Driving with a covered rear screen will now cost Rs750, up from Rs150, and jumping the queue of vehicles will incur a fine of Rs1,000, up from Rs500.

Using indicators improperly now comes with a Rs750 fine, increased from Rs300, and not following lighting timings will result in a fine of Rs1,000, up from Rs500. Obstructing traffic carries a fine of Rs2,000, increased from Rs500, while not obeying the slow sign will result in a fine of Rs2,000, up from Rs200.

Other violations subject to increased fines include taking a wrong turn or changing lanes improperly, misuse of lanes or standing, emitting smoke or driving an unfit vehicle, driving a noisy vehicle, taking a wrong U-turn, and parking a vehicle on a bridge.

In addition to the fine increases, seven new traffic codes for rule violations have been introduced for the first time.

These include Rs5,000 fine for installing revolving lights of police or law enforcement agencies on unauthorised vehicles, Rs2,000 fine for using HID lights that disturb other drivers, Rs1,500 fine for not fastening a seatbelt, and a fine of Rs500 for using any type of phone, tablet, or handheld electronic device while driving. Additional fines include Rs500 for traveling without side mirrors or with defective glasses, Rs1,000 for using a fancy number plate or an un-machine-readable plate, and a Rs1,000 fine for driving with tinted windows. The increased fines will come into effect on October 1.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2023.