Punjab Reduces Heavy Traffic Fines Under New Law

The Punjab government has withdrawn the old traffic law ordinance 2025 that included heavy fines and jail sentences for traffic violations. After this decision, citizens including motorcyclists and rickshaw drivers are expected to get major relief.

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider signed the Provincial Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill 2026, making the new law effective across the province immediately. With this, the previous strict ordinance has been cancelled.

Under the new law, imprisonment for traffic violations has been completely removed. At the same time, fines for many offences have been reduced by up to 90 percent.

For example, driving without a license will now result in a fine of Rs 5,000 instead of Rs 50,000. Similarly, violating one-way traffic rules will now carry only a Rs 5,000 fine instead of six months jail and a heavy penalty.

The law also reduces the punishment for underage driving. The previous penalty of jail and Rs 50,000 fine has been removed and replaced with a Rs 10,000 fine.

Other fines have also been reduced, including driving without a fitness certificate, which will now cost Rs 5,000 instead of Rs 50,000. Overloading vehicles or allowing passengers to sit on the roof will also carry a reduced fine of Rs 5,000.

Governor Sardar Saleem Haider said the decision was taken because people are already facing high inflation, and heavy traffic fines were creating additional pressure on citizens.

He added that the aim of the new law is to reduce financial burden on the public, especially low-income groups like motorcyclists, rickshaw drivers, and daily wage earners, while still maintaining traffic discipline and law enforcement.