🚨 Detailed Overview of New Traffic Laws in Pakistan (Provincial Focus)
The new traffic regulations in Pakistan are primarily driven by amendments to the Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965 at the provincial level.
1. 🇵🇰 The Demerit Points System (Punjab & Sindh)
This is the single most critical change, designed to target repeat offenders and enforce long-term behavioral change among drivers.
How it Works:
Points Deduction: Each major traffic violation is assigned a specific number of penalty (demerit) points.
License Suspension/Cancellation:
Punjab (Proposed): A driver who accumulates 20 demerit points within a year will have their license suspended for a period ranging from two months up to one year.
Sindh (Implemented/Proposed): A similar mechanism is in place, where repeated accumulation of points for serious offenses like overspeeding or reckless driving will lead to license suspension or cancellation.
Example Point Deductions (Punjab Proposed):
2. 💰 Massive Hike in Provincial Fines
The financial penalty for violations has increased by hundreds to thousands of percent, replacing the previously minimal fines.
A. Sindh Traffic Police (Stricter Enforcement):
The Sindh government has implemented some of the most stringent fines, particularly for violations considered extremely dangerous:
B. Punjab Traffic Police (New Fines Range):
As noted in the table above, the new fines range from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 20,000 for most major offenses, a significant jump from the old rate of Rs. 100 to Rs. 500.
3. 🛡️ Focused Enforcement Areas
I. Underage Driving & Vehicle Owner Liability (Punjab)
The Punjab government has placed direct responsibility on the vehicle owner, not just the minor driver:
Penalty: If a minor is caught driving, the vehicle owner/guardian can face severe punishment, including a fine (up to Rs. 10,000) and imprisonment for up to six months.
Context: The crackdown is specifically intended to curb the trend of parents giving cars or motorcycles to their non-licensed children.
II. Technology and Modernization (E-Challaning)
Both major provinces are moving towards a fully digitized enforcement system:
E-Challans: Tickets are issued electronically, captured by cameras (for speeding, signal violation), and are automatically linked to the vehicle's registration data.
Vehicle Blocking: Vehicles with multiple unpaid e-challans or accumulated demerit points will be blocked from being sold, transferred, or having their registration renewed until all dues are cleared.
This is done by integrating the traffic system with the Excise and Taxation Department's database. III. Registration and Documentation Penalties (Sindh Amendment):
Recent amendments in Sindh have introduced severe penalties for failing to register a newly imported or purchased vehicle within the stipulated time:
The National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) also significantly increased their fines (up to 200% for many violations) to maintain safety standards on the highways, which traditionally have higher speed limits and greater risk of fatal accidents.
Conclusion
The new traffic laws in Pakistan represent a decisive shift toward establishing driver accountability and promoting safety over convenience. The focus is no longer just on the spot fine, but on the long-term consequence of losing your driving privilege through the demerit system.
Do you want to check the updated NHMP (Motorway) fine structure for a specific violation, such as failure to wear a seatbelt or lane violation?