Punjab rolls out stricter traffic ordinance

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has rolled out a comprehensive new traffic ordinance imposing significantly higher fines for a wide range of violations, aiming to improve road safety and reduce environmental hazards across the province.

The Punjab Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025, approved by the Governor of Punjab, took immediate effect, introducing electronic ticketing and a points-based licence system.

Under the new system, each violation deducts two to four points, with licences suspended upon accumulating 20 points within a year.

The ordinance targets common offences such as speeding, signal violations, and overloading. Motorcyclists caught speeding will face a Rs2,000 fine, while car owners could be fined up to Rs5,000. Signal violations carry penalties of Rs2,000 for motorcycles, Rs3,000 for three-wheelers and Rs5,000 for standard cars, rising to Rs10,000 and Rs15,000 for vehicles with engines up to or above 2,000cc.

Overloading offences have also been reclassified, with fines ranging from Rs3,000 for rickshaws to Rs15,000 for trailers.

Amid worsening smog in Lahore, the ordinance places special emphasis on environmental compliance.