LAHORE – The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday dismissed a petition filed against the Punjab government’s recent amendments to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance, which introduced higher fines and stricter penalties for traffic violations, particularly by underage drivers.
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition filed by Advocate Asif Shakir, who argued that police were registering FIRs against underage motorcyclists and imposing heavy fines instead of creating awareness about traffic regulations.
He requested the court to strike down the amended provisions related to increased penalties.
The Chief Justice, however, rejected the argument, observing that the government had the authority to legislate for public safety.
“The government has enacted the law; you should comply with it. Instead of ensuring implementation, you want the law scrapped,” she remarked.
Commenting on the issue of underage motorcyclists, Chief Justice Neelum said, “Children’s feet don’t even reach the ground, yet parents hand them motorcycles.”
She added that even members of her own household had received traffic fines.
The police informed the court that around 5,000 underage drivers had been injured or killed in accidents caused by wrong-way driving.
The Chief Justice noted that heavy fines were intentionally set to deter violations, stating that “around the world, traffic penalties are severe—Dubai imposes fines up to 100,000 dirhams.”
Highlighting the rising number of hit-and-run incidents in neighbourhoods, she stressed the importance of child safety and the need for citizens to follow the law. “Laws are made to improve society. Parents must also act responsibly,” she added.
The court observed that the government had clearly stated that the first violation would result in a fine and a second violation would lead to legal action.
After hearing all arguments, the Lahore High Court dismissed the petition, and declared it non-maintainable.
