LAHORE: In a major move to provide financial breathing room to the public, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has officially signed the Provincial Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Bill 2026. The new legislation significantly slashes traffic fines and completely abolishes prison sentences for various traffic violations.
By signing this bill, the Governor has effectively repealed the Provincial Motor Vehicles (Fourth Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which had previously introduced heavy penalties that were widely criticized as burdensome for the common man.
“People First” Policy
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan emphasized that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) remains committed to serving the underprivileged.
“The public is already struggling with unprecedented inflation. Imposing exorbitant fines and jail time for traffic violations was unjustified. Our priority is to provide relief to the poor, particularly motorcycle riders and rickshaw drivers,” the Governor stated.
Key Changes in Traffic Penalties
The new amendment brings a drastic reduction in penalties for common offenses. Here is a breakdown of the revised structure:
| Violation | Previous Penalty (2025 Ordinance) | New Penalty (2026 Bill) |
| Driving Without License | Rs. 50,000–100,000 + Jail Time | Rs. 5,000–10,000 (Jail Term Abolished) |
| One-Way Violation | Rs. 50,000 or 6 Months Jail | Rs. 5,000 Fine Only |
| Underage Driving | Rs. 50,000 and 6 Months Jail | Rs. 10,000 Fine Only |
| Fitness Certificate Lapse | Up to Rs. 100,000 and 2 Years Jail | Rs. 5,000 Fine Only |
| Overloading (PSV) | Rs. 50,000 or 6 Months Jail | Rs. 5,000 Fine Only |
Operational Changes
- Underage Driving: While the jail sentence has been removed, vehicles driven by minors will be impounded. The vehicle will only be released to the owner or an authorized person holding a valid driving license.
- Vehicle Fitness: Vehicles found without a fitness certificate will now only be allowed to travel directly to the nearest inspection station to rectify the issue.
- Public Transport: The revised fine of Rs. 5,000 for overloading specifically targets the dangerous practice of passengers sitting on rooftops or hanging from the sides of public service vehicles.
Governor Khan concluded by stating that while law and order are essential, the state must ensure that regulations do not become an instrument of “cruelty” against the impoverished segments of society. The new law is expected to take effect immediately across the province.
by Staff Reporter I May 7,2026
