The government of Punjab has introduced a new ordinance imposing significantly higher fines for traffic violations, following approval by the provincial governor. The move aims to enhance road safety, reduce accidents, and curb environmental pollution caused by vehicles.
Strict Fines for Speeding and Traffic Signal Violations
Under the new law, motorists will face steep penalties for exceeding speed limits. Motorcycle riders caught speeding could be fined up to 2,000 Pakistani rupees (PKR), while car owners may have to pay 5,000 PKR. For more details on the proposed hike in traffic fines up to 20,000 PKR, you can read Punjab Proposes Hike in Traffic Fines. The ordinance also targets traffic signal violations, with fines varying depending on vehicle type:
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Three-wheelers: 3,000 PKR
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Cars: 5,000 PKR
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Vehicles up to 2,000cc: 10,000 PKR
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Vehicles over 2,000cc: 15,000 PKR
The government has emphasized that these measures are intended to promote responsible driving and reduce accidents, particularly in urban centers where traffic congestion and reckless driving are prevalent.
Tackling Vehicle Overloading
Overloading has been a longstanding concern in Punjab, leading to road damage and increased accident risks. The ordinance imposes strict penalties for overloaded vehicles:
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Three-wheelers: 3,000 PKR
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Vehicles under 2,000cc: 5,000 PKR
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Larger vehicles: 10,000 PKR
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Trailers: 15,000 PKR
Authorities have warned transport operators that these fines will be strictly enforced at checkpoints across the province. Overloaded vehicles are known to contribute disproportionately to road accidents, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
Measures Against Environmental Pollution
In addition to traffic safety, the ordinance addresses environmental concerns. Vehicles emitting excessive smoke or pollutants will face significant fines, a move aimed at improving air quality in Punjab’s major cities. The penalties are:
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Motorcycles: 2,000 PKR
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Three-wheelers: 3,000 PKR
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Large vehicles: 8,000 PKR
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Public transport vehicles: 15,000 PKR
Environmental activists have welcomed this measure, highlighting that vehicular emissions are a major contributor to urban air pollution, especially in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan. The provincial government has pledged to monitor compliance more rigorously, with regular inspections planned for busy urban roads.
Government Rationale and Public Reaction
The Punjab government has described the ordinance as a proactive step to curb traffic-related deaths, which have been rising steadily in recent years. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, over 12,000 road accidents are reported annually in Punjab, many resulting from speeding and signal violations.
However, some road users have raised concerns about the affordability of the new fines, particularly for low-income drivers who rely on motorcycles and three-wheelers. Traffic authorities have responded by emphasizing that the fines are intended to act as a deterrent rather than a revenue measure.
Implementation and Enforcement
The ordinance will come into effect immediately, with traffic police empowered to issue fines on the spot. Police officials have stated that they will conduct special campaigns to educate drivers about the new regulations in the coming weeks. Officials hope that a combination of enforcement and awareness will lead to safer roads and a significant reduction in traffic violations across the province.
The new ordinance reflects a broader trend in South Asia, where governments are increasingly turning to stricter traffic laws to tackle road accidents, congestion, and pollution. By targeting both safety and environmental concerns, Punjab aims to set a benchmark for other provinces in the country.
