Vehicle Owners to Pay for Green Sticker: Free Emission Testing Ends

The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun strict action against vehicles operating without green emission stickers after the August 31 deadline expired.

According to EPA spokesperson Sajid Bashir, the first phase of the campaign focuses on vehicles manufactured between 2010 and 2015, with owners receiving warning slips and e-challans via post. The crackdown aims to curb vehicular pollution ahead of the smog season.

So far, more than 350,000 vehicles have been issued green stickers, which are granted only after passing emissions tests covering the engine, silencer, and catalytic converter. Authorities have warned that repeat violations may result in heavy fines and possible vehicle impoundment. During smog season, non-compliant vehicles will not be allowed to enter Lahore.

On the green sticker fee update, Bashir confirmed that charges for obtaining the sticker will be announced soon. Earlier, the Punjab government extended the testing deadline until August 31 due to extraordinary public rush at testing booths.

EPA Director General Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh revealed that emissions of 123,000 vehicles were tested in the last 50 days, with warnings issued to 2,000 owners for excessive pollution. They were directed to retest their vehicles after necessary fixes. He added that vehicles manufactured in 2022 and later remain exempt from emission testing.