The Punjab government is set to introduce major amendments to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965, proposing a significant increase in traffic violation fines to improve road safety and discipline. The provincial cabinet has approved the proposal, which includes changes to 20 sections of the law, and has forwarded the summary to the Punjab Assembly for final approval. Officials believe these revisions will deter reckless driving and promote compliance with traffic regulations across the province.
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Under the proposed changes, fines for traffic violations will rise from the current range of Rs200–Rs1,000 to Rs2,000–Rs20,000, depending on the type and severity of the offense. For overspeeding, motorcyclists will be fined Rs2,000, while car owners with engines up to 2000cc will pay Rs5,000. Those driving vehicles with engines larger than 2000cc could face a hefty Rs20,000 penalty. The summary also outlines Rs2,000 to Rs15,000 fines for signal violations and Rs10,000 for ignoring zebra crossings.
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The draft amendments also address distracted and unsafe driving, proposing fines between Rs2,000 and Rs15,000 for using mobile phones while driving. The government further plans to impose strict penalties on underage drivers to reduce road accidents involving minors. Additionally, wearing seat belts will be mandatory for all drivers, and the person sitting behind the motorcyclist will also be required to wear a helmet to ensure complete road safety compliance.
To modernize traffic enforcement, the government has proposed digitalizing both the challan system and the driving license process. This initiative aims to make record-keeping more efficient, transparent, and tamper-proof. With digital ticketing, authorities will be able to track repeat offenders more effectively, improving law enforcement efficiency and accountability. The government also hopes that automation will reduce corruption and streamline fine collection procedures across Punjab’s traffic departments.
The proposed law also introduces a new point-based system to monitor driving behavior. Drivers will lose between two to four points for each violation, and if a driver accumulates 20 points, their license will be suspended for six months to a year. Officials say this step will encourage responsible driving and reduce repeated offenses. If approved by the Punjab Assembly, the new regulations will mark one of the most comprehensive overhauls of traffic laws in decades, aimed at ensuring safer roads for all citizens.