Key Takeaways
- Fines for traffic violations on Lahore Ring Road have increased by 900%.
- New penalties include Rs. 5,000 for driving without a licence and Rs. 10,000 for underage driving.
- Overloading now carries a Rs. 7,000 fine, up from Rs. 2,000.
The Lahore Ring Road Authority has significantly increased fines for traffic violations, with some penalties now up to 10 times higher than before. This move is part of the 'Safe Roads, Safe Punjab' vision, as directed by Punjab Ring Road Authority Chairperson Safiullah Gondal.
Under the new regulations, driving without a valid licence will now cost Rs. 5,000, a substantial increase from the previous Rs. 500. Similarly, underage driving will incur a Rs. 10,000 fine, compared to the previous unspecified amount.
Over-speeding and improper overtaking have also seen significant hikes, with fines for cars now at Rs. 5,000 and for vehicles above 2,000cc at Rs. 10,000, up from the previous unspecified amounts. Using a mobile phone while driving or not wearing a seatbelt will now cost Rs. 3,000, a rise from Rs. 500.
Driving in the wrong lane now carries a Rs. 2,000 fine, while driving against traffic on a one-way road will cost Rs. 5,000. The overloading fine has increased from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 7,000, and illegal parking now costs Rs. 2,000 instead of Rs. 1,000.
Smoke-emitting vehicles will be fined Rs. 4,000, or Rs. 5,000 for commercial vehicles. Tinted windows, missing number plates, and unauthorised number plates will each draw a Rs. 5,000 fine. Motorcycles are banned from the Ring Road, and riders who enter it will pay Rs. 5,000. Pedestrians crossing the road will be fined Rs. 1,000 instead of Rs. 200, while owners bringing animals onto the road will pay Rs. 5,000.
Lahore Ring Road Police have urged motorists to follow the new rules. The road was earlier set to get solar lights and an e-challan system, while Punjab announced new fines for 26 violations in May.
The Lahore Ring Road Authority has stated that these new penalties are aimed at improving road safety and reducing traffic violations. Motorists are advised to familiarize themselves with the updated rules to avoid hefty fines.
The increased fines are expected to have a significant impact on driving behavior and road safety in Lahore. Authorities have emphasized the importance of compliance with the new regulations.
