Punjab Government Eases Traffic Penalties Under New Motor Vehicles Bill 2026

LAHORE — The Punjab government has significantly reduced penalties for multiple traffic violations after the enforcement of the Provincial Motor Vehicles Bill 2026, replacing the earlier Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance 2025 and bringing major relief in fines and imprisonment clauses related to traffic offences across the province. The new legislation came into force following approval by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan.

Under the revised law, imprisonment has been abolished for most traffic violations, while fines have been reduced considerably, marking a significant shift in the province's approach to traffic enforcement and penalties.

Key Changes in Penalties

The new legislation introduces substantial reductions in fines and removes imprisonment for several common traffic violations:

• Driving Licence Offences — Previously punishable with fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs100,000 along with imprisonment, now carry a fine of Rs5,000 without any jail term
• One-Way Violations — Penalty reduced from Rs50,000 or six months imprisonment to a fine of Rs5,000
• Underage Driving — Fine reduced from Rs50,000 to Rs10,000, making it more manageable for families while still serving as a deterrent

Rationale Behind the Reforms

The Punjab government stated that the revised penalties aim to strike a better balance between enforcement and fairness, recognising that excessively high fines and imprisonment terms were creating unnecessary burdens on citizens for minor traffic infractions. The new approach focuses on education and proportionate penalties rather than punitive measures.

Government officials noted that the previous penalty structure had led to numerous legal challenges and public complaints, with many citizens arguing that the fines were disproportionately high compared to the nature of the violations. The revised framework addresses these concerns while maintaining sufficient deterrent effect for traffic safety.

Implementation

The Provincial Motor Vehicles Bill 2026 has been formally enacted and is now in effect across all districts of Punjab. Traffic police and relevant authorities have been instructed to implement the new penalty structure immediately, and citizens are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated regulations.

Officials expect that the reduced penalties will lead to improved compliance as citizens find the fines more manageable and fair, while the removal of imprisonment for minor violations reduces the burden on the judicial system.