Punjab Police Propose 10x Increase in Traffic Fines and 100% Hike in Vehicle Tax

Lahore: The Punjab Police have put forward a proposal for sweeping amendments to traffic laws, suggesting a tenfold increase in fines for certain violations and a 100% hike in annual vehicle tax. The proposal, which has been submitted for approval, aims to enhance traffic discipline and road safety across the province.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar has recommended the introduction of a Scaling Traffic Fines System (STFS) and a Traffic Violation Point System (TVPS) to curb repeated violations, especially by drivers of luxury vehicles. The proposal suggests fines be scaled according to vehicle type:

• Luxury Vehicles: 10 times the standard fine
• Public Transport: 5 times the standard fine
• General Citizens (Middle Class): 2 times the standard fine

According to the proposed TVPS, drivers may be stripped of their license for a year if their demerit point total surpasses 29 within a year.  The TVPS would increase penalties by 5% for each subsequent violation.

DIG Athar Waheed, the traffic official of Lahore, expressed his apprehension regarding the current flat-rate penalties, which fail to deter affluent drivers from violating traffic regulations while imposing unjust financial burdens on impoverished residents. The system modifications that are being proposed will accomplish two objectives: they will enhance the enforcement of traffic laws and distribute penalties equally.

An update to the Digital Challan System will be implemented to facilitate improved monitoring of violations by means of improved tracking capabilities. The authorities that implemented these amendments were able to enhance the security of their roadways by adhering to global best practice standards.

According to the recent proposals, the Punjab Police require that personal vehicle annual taxes increase by a minimum of 100%. The document proves higher vehicle taxation promotes public transit usage, thereby decreasing city traffic and air pollution problems.

Section 3 of the Motor Vehicle Taxation Act 1958 and Section 116-A of the Punjab Provincial Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 will require modifications in order to enforce the new amendments.

The initial version of these amendments was authorized by a meeting that included Punjab’s Chief Secretary and IGP, as well as senior officials. The government proposal requires final approval from both the Punjab Cabinet and the Chief Minister to become legal code.

Current authorities expect these amendments to enhance police enforcement of traffic laws while streamlining road safety measures and encouraging better public obedience. The implementation of this regulation will place Punjab among various global regions that have adopted forward-looking traffic control strategies to control traffic behavior and minimize violations.

The proposal has sparked debates among citizens, with some welcoming the measures for improved safety, while others express concerns over the financial burden. The final decision by the Punjab government is expected soon.