Punjab Likely to Introduce Driving Permit for Teenagers

The Punjab Police Department has proposed amendments to the Provincial Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 and Motor Vehicle Rules 1969 to introduce a Juvenile Driving Permit for motorcyclists aged 16 to 18. Officials say the permit would create a regulated system for teenage riders and make an estimated seven million youths eligible to drive under controlled conditions.

Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar has submitted two summaries through the Home Department to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for approval. The proposals also include changes to Section 89-B, which currently limits mandatory seat belt enforcement to “notified roads.” The department wants seat belt use to be compulsory on all public roads.

Police officials say the lack of a legal pathway for juvenile motorcycle riders has created enforcement problems and increased safety risks. They argue that a structured permit system would promote responsible mobility, improve compliance, and reduce illegal underage riding.

Lahore Chief Traffic Officer Athar Waheed, who drafted the summaries, noted that many countries allow supervised or restricted motorcycle permits for teenagers.

Under current law, individuals must be 18 to ride a motorcycle on public roads. The department says this requirement has left younger riders unregulated, contributing to rising violations. The proposed permit aims to bring this age group under a lawful, monitored system.

The police also maintain that removing the phrase “notified roads” from Section 89-B would eliminate ambiguity and strengthen road-safety enforcement across Punjab.