Punjab Makes Major Change to Number Plate Policy

Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department Punjab has directed traffic police across the province not to fine citizens over the use of privately manufactured vehicle number plates, provided they conform to the approved Punjab format.

In a letter issued on February 19, 2026, the Office of the Director General Excise and Taxation Punjab informed the Punjab Traffic Police that during routine road checking, some officers were asking motorists to display “original” government issued number plates and, in certain cases, imposing fines on that basis.

The department clarified that it has discontinued collecting charges for government manufactured number plates and has abolished the centralized production of licensed plates. Citizens are now permitted to obtain number plates from any private vendor, as long as the plates strictly follow the prescribed Punjab specific format.

The letter instructs traffic police to verify only compliance with the Punjab approved number plate format during road checks. It further states that motorists cannot be required to produce original government manufactured plates, as centralized issuance has been discontinued.

The department also ordered that no penalties be imposed on vehicle owners using plates produced by private vendors, provided the design meets the approved specifications. Authorities have been asked to ensure strict compliance with these instructions to prevent inconvenience or harassment of the public.