LAHORE: Days after the Punjab government announced heavy fines and stricter penalties under new traffic rules, it has emerged that vehicles involved in repeated traffic violations will now be auctioned if challans remain unpaid.

Chairing a meeting on the planning of a modern traffic system, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was informed that 20 major reforms have been introduced in the province’s 60-year-old Traffic Act. The new rules will also apply to government-owned vehicles without any discrimination.

During the meeting, officials said that illegal one-way violations must be eliminated within 30 days, while in underage driving cases, the vehicle owner can face up to six months in prison. A province-wide crackdown has also been ordered against passengers traveling on the roofs of buses, while Qingqi rickshaws have been completely banned on five model roads in Lahore.

Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to improve traffic management in all cities, not just Lahore, stressing that everyone will be fined equally for violations.

On parking issues, the meeting decided that marriage halls will not be allowed to operate without proper parking facilities. It was also stated that families of those killed in road accidents would receive immediate compensation.

Heavy fines and punishments

Under the new ordinance, signed by Punjab Governor Saleem Haider, severe penalties have been introduced:

• Driving without a fitness certificate: Fine up to Rs100,000 and possible imprisonment
• Non-standard tinted glass: Up to six months in jail
• One-way violation: Up to six months imprisonment or Rs50,000 fine
• Mandatory seat belt for front seat passenger
• Underage driving punishment doubled, with legal responsibility on parents

For smoke-emitting vehicles:

• Motorcycles: Rs2,000
• Three-wheelers: Rs3,000
• Cars: Rs8,000
• Public transport: Rs15,000

Overspeeding fines have been increased by up to 300%:

• Motorcycles: Rs2,000
• Cars: Rs5,000

Overloading fines:

• Three-wheelers: Rs3,000
• Vehicles below 2000cc: Rs5,000
• Larger vehicles: Rs10,000
• Trailers: Rs15,000

Traffic signal violations:

• Motorcycles: Rs2,000
• Three-wheelers: Rs3,000
• Cars: Rs5,000
• 2000cc vehicles: Rs10,000
• Above 2000cc: Rs15,000

Strict action will also be taken against vehicles with fake, yellow or non-standard number plates, while drivers without registration papers or ownership proof will face legal action.

The Punjab government says these measures are aimed at improving road safety, enforcing discipline and reducing traffic accidents across the province.