LAHORE – Punjab has entered a new era of traffic management as the provincial government approved 20 major reforms to modernize the six-decade-old traffic laws, aiming to make road travel safer and more efficient.
In a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, officials finalized the framework for a modern traffic system, road safety measures, and overall traffic discipline across the province. The session reviewed reports on helmet enforcement, rooftop passenger violations, and other traffic offences.
Under the new reforms, any vehicle repeatedly fined for traffic violations will be impounded and auctioned, while government vehicles will no longer enjoy exemption from penalties and will face heavy fines for violations.
To curb wrong-way driving, the province has announced a 30-day deadline to eliminate one-way violations. U-turns across major roads will undergo re-modeling to ensure smoother and safer traffic flow.
The meeting also agreed that families of those who die in traffic accidents will receive immediate compensation (diyat). Additionally, marriage halls will be required to arrange proper parking facilities, failing which they will not be allowed to operate.
A decisive crackdown will target underage driving, with penalties including up to six months’ imprisonment for the vehicle owner. A province-wide ban has also been imposed on passengers traveling on bus rooftops, along with strict orders for enforcement.
To improve traffic flow and enhance public safety, Chingchi rickshaws have been completely banned on five model roads in Lahore.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued a 30-day deadline to significantly improve Lahore’s traffic situation, warning the traffic police that this is their “last chance” to deliver.
“If they fail, we will have to establish a new department,” the chief minister cautioned.
She stressed that speeding vehicles traveling to other cities will face action, and traffic discipline must be improved across all cities including Lahore.
“There will be no exceptions—every violator will have to pay the fine,” she said, adding that persistent disregard for traffic laws undermines the writ of the state.
The chief minister said although major problems in the province have been addressed, “traffic remains the weakest area and must be fixed without delay.”
