The Punjab government has introduced sweeping traffic reforms, marking the most significant overhaul of the province’s decades-old traffic system. Officials said the changes amend a 60-year-old traffic act and introduce tougher penalties to improve road safety.
Under the new rules, vehicles repeatedly fined for violations will face auction. The government also made it clear that official vehicles are not exempt, and any government car breaking traffic laws will receive heavy penalties.
Authorities granted a 30-day grace period to eliminate wrong-way driving across Punjab. Road safety measures also include redesigned U-turns to produce smoother and safer traffic flow.
The reforms mandate immediate payment of diyat to families of road accident victims. Marriage halls that fail to provide proper parking will not be allowed to operate.
To curb underage driving, the government announced a strict crackdown. Owners of vehicles driven by minors may face up to six months in jail. The government also ordered a province-wide crackdown to end passenger travel on bus rooftops.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said vehicles traveling to other cities at unsafe speeds will face action. She stressed that traffic rules must be enforced without discrimination and violators at all levels will be fined.