By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The Punjab Law Department has issued a new traffic ordinance, approved by the Governor, significantly increasing fines for various traffic violations. According to the ordinance, penalties now range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 20,000 depending on the severity of the violation.
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Motorcycles exceeding speed limits will be fined Rs 2,000, while cars will face Rs 5,000. Signal violations carry fines of Rs 2,000 for motorcycles, Rs 3,000 for three-wheelers, Rs 5,000 for cars, Rs 10,000 for vehicles under 2,000 cc, and Rs 15,000 for vehicles above 2,000 cc. Overloading fines range from Rs 3,000 for three-wheelers to Rs 15,000 for trailers, while vehicles emitting smoke may face penalties from Rs 2,000 to Rs 15,000 depending on type. Drivers operating vehicles without fitness certificates could face fines up to Rs 100,000 and imprisonment. The ordinance also mandates seatbelt usage for front-seat passengers and introduces a 300% increase in overspeeding fines.
While the move is presented as a step to ensure road safety and reduce traffic violations, critics note that the ordinance places an increasing financial burden on ordinary citizens. With fines now so steep and multiple departments involved in enforcement, many see the measure as “extracting money from citizens’ pockets with limited tangible benefits,” raising questions about its fairness and practical implementation.
As Pakistan’s largest province implements these measures, the challenge remains whether these fines will genuinely improve road discipline or simply create an added economic strain for the public.
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