Driving in Punjab Just Got Pricier — But Is It Fair?

If you’ve ever shrugged off a challan thinking, “Bas 500 ka fine hi toh hai,” well, those days might be over. The Punjab government has decided it’s time to make reckless driving hurt — not just your ego, but your wallet too.

The provincial cabinet has okayed some heavy changes to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965, and now the proposal is on its way to the Punjab Assembly. Once passed, the fines could go as high as Rs 20,000. Yeah, twenty thousand — not a typo.

Here's the new breakdown:

• Motorcycles: Rs 2,000 for over speeding
• Cars under 2,000cc: Rs 5,000
• Cars above 2,000cc: Rs 20,000
• Commercial or public transport: Rs 15,000

Jumping the red light? That is up to Rs 15,000. Talking on the phone or playing music while driving: Rs 2,000–15,000. Even standing over the zebra crossing when you shouldn't could cost Rs 10,000.

The plan also brings a point-based license system — lose 20 points and your license could be suspended for up to a year. And yes, no more skipping helmets for backseat riders or seatbelts for front-seat passengers. Digital challans and computerized licenses are coming too.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. While the move is meant to make roads safer, not everyone’s clapping. For a lot of people already struggling with inflation, a Rs 15,000 fine feels brutal. “Enforcing road discipline is fine,” many are saying, “but maybe fix the potholes first?”

That’s really the question now: will stricter fines actually make people follow rules — or just make driving another thing people stress about in Punjab?

Related: How to check and pay your traffic e-challan online in Punjab and Lahore 2025 update