New rules for heavy vehicles to curb road deaths

Ageing vehicles barred from operating on inter-provincial, inter-city routes

KARACHI:

The Sindh government has introduced major amendments to the Sindh Motor Vehicle Rules, 1969, aimed at strengthening road safety and reducing traffic accidents.

A notification issued on Wednesday outlines stricter regulations for heavy commercial vehicles, including mandatory fitness certificates, age limits, and the installation of modern security and monitoring systems.

Minister for Transport, and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon, said that all heavy commercial vehicles must now obtain fitness certificates from Transport Department centers. Violations will attract heavy fines, which are to be deposited online in the provincial government's account.

The revised rules impose age limits for vehicles. Subsequently, no permits will be issued for vehicles older than 20 years on inter-provincial routes, vehicles older than 25 years will be barred from inter-city routes, and vehicles above 35 years banned from operating within cities.

A one-year transition period has been granted, during which roadworthiness tests will be compulsory. Initially, only minor fines will be charged for violations, but penalties will increase sharply on repeat offenses - up to Rs200,000 for a second violation and Rs300,000 for a third.

The amendments also make it compulsory for heavy and light commercial vehicles to be equipped with GPS trackers, high-definition front and rear cameras, driver monitoring systems, and 360-degree camera technology. Under-run protection guards will also be mandatory to protect smaller vehicles and motorbikes during collisions.

"These tough measures are necessary to save lives and property," said Sharjeel Inam Memon, stressing that unsafe, old, and poorly maintained heavy vehicles are a leading cause of deadly accidents across Sindh, particularly on Karachi's highways.

Vehicles failing to comply will be impounded, and registrations permanently canceled if violations are not rectified within 14 days. The government has directed traffic police, excise police, and transport authorities to enforce the new rules strictly without exceptions.

The minister added that modern monitoring systems will not only improve enforcement but also help identify causes of accidents and ensure transparent investigations. "We want to modernize the transport sector and ensure safer roads for all citizens," he said.