The Punjab government this week introduced the Punjab Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 2025, raising fines for a wide range of traffic violations with an aim to improve road safety and reduce environmental hazards across the province.
Approved by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, the ordinance took immediate effect. It introduces electronic ticketing as well as a points-based license system. Under the new system, each violation deducts 2-4 points, with anyone who accumulates 20 points within a year having their license suspended.
According to the ordinance, over-speeding will incur fines of Rs. 2,000 for motorcycles, Rs. 3,000 for three-wheelers, and Rs. 5,000 for cars, while also costing four points. Driving the wrong way on a one-way street incurs fines of Rs. 3,000 for motorcycles, Rs. 3,000 for three-wheelers, and Rs. 5,000 for cars, as well as four points.
Signal violations carry penalties of Rs. 3,000 for motorcycles, Rs. 3,000 for three-wheelers and Rs. 5,000 for cars, as well as 4 points. For vehicles up to or above 2,000cc, the fine can rise to Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 15,000. To ensure environmental compliance, the ordinance has imposed fines of Rs. 3,000 for motorcycles emitting smoke, Rs. 3,000 for three-wheelers, and Rs. 5,000 for cars, with a point deduction of 3. Similarly, an “unfit” vehicle incurs Rs. 20,000 in fines for motorcycles, Rs. 30,000 for three-wheelers, and Rs. 50,000 for cars.
The ordinance also reclassifies overloading offenses, with fines ranging from Rs. 3,000 for rickshaws to Rs. 15,000 for trailers. It has designated fines for driving without a license, fixed at Rs. 5,000 for motorcycles, Rs. 5,000 for three-wheelers, and Rs. 10,000 for cars.
The new ordinance also makes it mandatory for the front-seat passenger to wear a seat belt, with strict penalties for non-compliance. Punishment for underage driving has been doubled, and parents will also be held legally responsible.