Crackdown on traffic law violators in Punjab: 40,636 challans issued in one day

An enforcement drive unfolded across Punjab on the first full day of implementing the amended Motor Vehicle Ordinance, leaving roads buzzing with strict policing and thousands of violators facing “double fines.”

Traffic police, deployed in large numbers across major cities, intensified their operations—issuing challans without exemptions and detaining vehicles violating the new traffic laws. According to official data, 40,636 challans worth a record Rs 131.9 million were issued across the province in just one day. More than 5,400 of these were issued in Lahore alone.

The crackdown also resulted in 15,428 vehicles and motorcycles being impounded at police stations across Punjab, while 4,388 cases were registered for serious violations. Traffic officials confirmed that the department’s software systems were updated overnight to reflect the new fine structure introduced through recent amendments to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance.

Notably, authorities clarified that the figures do not include e-challans issued through the Safe Cities project, meaning the actual number of violations detected may be significantly higher. Since the amendments came into effect, a total of 44,713 challans have been issued province-wide.

A significant policy shift accompanied the enforcement drive: registration of cases against underage drivers has been suspended across Punjab, although warnings and vehicle impoundments continue.

Meanwhile, the crackdown extended to within the police force itself. In an unprecedented move toward internal accountability, 2,600 police personnel were issued traffic challans in six days. DIG Traffic Muhammad Waqas Nazir reported that 434 police vehicles were impounded, while cases were registered against 10 personnel involved in serious traffic violations. Heavy fines were also imposed on more than 500 government vehicles.

According to the amended ordinance, the minimum fines now stand at:

• Rs 2,000 for motorcycles
• Rs 3,000 for rickshaws
• Rs 5,000 for cars and jeeps
• Rs 10,000 to 20,000 for public transport, tractor-trolleys, and commercial vehicles

DIG Traffic Waqas Nazir said the purpose of the strict enforcement is to “restore discipline on the roads and ensure public safety,” adding that the crackdown will continue without discrimination.

With fines doubling and enforcement tightening, officials say they expect a visible improvement in road discipline in the coming days.