The Sindh government has announced new amendments to the Sindh Motor Vehicles Rules for heavy commercial vehicles in the province. These amendments include mandatory fitness certificates, vehicle age limits, and the installation of modern safety systems.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated in a press briefing that all heavy commercial vehicles will now have to obtain fitness certificates from transport department-approved centers. Violations will result in heavy fines, with all fines being deposited online into the Sindh government’s account.
Memon said the law will come into effect within one year, during which all vehicles must undergo a mandatory roadworthiness test. Violations will be penalized in stages: a minor fine for the first offense, Rs200,000 for the second, and up to Rs300,000 for the third.
He added that the new amendments have set age limits for vehicles: vehicles over 20 years old will not be permitted on inter-provincial routes; vehicles over 25 years old will not be allowed on inter-city routes; and a maximum age limit of 35 years will be enforced for vehicles operating within cities
It was empahsised that the government has made it mandatory for all heavy and light commercial vehicles to be equipped with tracking and safety systems.
Each vehicle must install GPS tracking devices, high-definition cameras at the front and rear, driver monitoring cameras, and a 360-degree camera system.
Additionally, under-run protection guards must be fitted to prevent smaller vehicles or motorcycles from being crushed in case of an accident. These safety devices must be fully functional, and without certification of these systems, no vehicle will be registered, issued a fitness certificate, granted a permit, or allowed ownership transfer.
Heavy vehicles have become increasingly notorious, especially in the city of Karachi, with accidents caused by heavy vehicles skyrocketing. A total of 165 people have lost their lives in accidents involving heavy vehicles this year.
If any vehicle is found without these systems or if they are deliberately damaged, heavy fines will be imposed, the vehicle will be suspended, and if the defects are not rectified within 14 days, registration will be permanently cancelled.
Last month, after a water tanker collided with a motorcycle, killing two people, seven heavy vehicles were set ablaze by an angry mob.
This prompted the Dumper Truck Association to shut down Super Highway and block routes from Sohrab Goth to Thatta. Dumper Truck Association leader Liaquat Mehsud said their protest was in response to the mob’s torching of dumper trucks.
The minister stated that the amendments have been made to ensure the safety of lives and property, reduce accidents, and make the traffic system more transparent through modern technology. He said one major cause of traffic accidents across the province, including Karachi, is old and poorly maintained heavy vehicles. Under the new rules, no heavy vehicle will be allowed on the roads without a fitness certificate and safety equipment.
The Sindh government believes that installing modern tracking and camera systems will not only make traffic law enforcement easier but also help determine the causes of accidents and ensure transparent investigations
Memon said the Sindh government has taken these strict measures for the protection of public life and property and will implement them without yielding to any pressure. Traffic Police, Excise Police, and Transport Authorities have been given clear instructions not to show leniency in enforcement.
He concluded that implementing this modern system will not only benefit citizens but will also help bring the transport sector onto modern lines.