The Punjab Cabinet has approved sweeping amendments to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance of 1965, introducing stricter penalties and new safety regulations. The approved summary containing 20 key changes has been forwarded to the Punjab Assembly for legislation.
Under the revised ordinance, motorcycle riders and passengers will both be required to wear helmets, making helmet use mandatory for everyone on a bike. The proposal also seeks to legalize digital challans and computerized driving licenses to modernize traffic management.
According to the summary, the current fine structure of Rs. 200 to Rs. 1,000 will be replaced with higher penalties ranging from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 20,000.
The proposed fines include Rs. 2,000 for motorcycles, Rs. 5,000 for cars up to 2000cc, Rs. 20,000 for vehicles above 2000cc, and Rs. 15,000 for commercial or public transport vehicles involved in overspeeding.
Traffic signal violations could result in fines between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 15,000, while using a mobile phone while driving could lead to a penalty of up to Rs. 15,000.
The amendments also include a point-based system for violations, under which drivers losing 20 points will have their licenses suspended for six months to one year, depending on the severity of offenses.
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