Lahore to Double Token Tax and Triple Traffic Violation Fines

To address growing traffic congestion and rule violations in Lahore, the city’s traffic authorities have proposed a significant increase in traffic fines and annual token tax.

According to the proposal, fines for luxury and commercial vehicles are set to increase sharply. The fine for luxury vehicles may rise from the current Rs. 300–500 to Rs. 1,500–2,500, while for public transport and other commercial vehicles, fines may jump from Rs. 500–1,000 to Rs. 1,500–3,000.

The proposal also suggests a 100% increase in annual token tax for all private vehicles. Authorities believe this move could encourage more people to switch to public transportation, thereby reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads, even though token tax has to be paid even if a car is never driven on a road.

Officials argue that heavier penalties will discourage repeated violations and help bring more discipline to Lahore’s increasingly congested traffic system. Additionally, the proposal calls for better cooperation among government departments to simplify the fine and taxation process, making enforcement more efficient.

The Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore has already forwarded these recommendations to the court after receiving approval from the Inspector General (IG) Punjab. If implemented, the changes could mark a major shift in traffic enforcement and urban mobility strategy in Lahore.

While the proposed measures are still under review, they signal a stronger push by traffic authorities to manage the city’s mounting transportation challenges through tougher financial disincentives and greater emphasis on public transit use.