Punjab govt imposes heavy fine for throwing waste

LAHORE: The Punjab government has now decided to amend the Motor Vehicle Act, proposing hefty fines for eight major traffic violations. The objective is to compel people to effectively observe traffic laws and put an end to chaos in the streets.

Under the new rules, vehicle owners whose vehicles emit smoke or cause pollution will be fined a considerable amount. Motorcyclists who smoke will be fined Rs 5,000, while drivers of cars and jeeps will be fined Rs 10,000. Public service vehicles will be fined Rs 15,000, whereas heavy transport vehicles will face a fine of Rs 20,000.

The government has also introduced stringent penalties for littering from moving vehicles. Motorcycles will be fined Rs 2,000, cars and jeeps Rs 10,000, public service vehicles Rs 15,000, and heavy vehicles Rs 20,000. There will be similar fines for parking vehicles in no-parking zones.

Fines for seatbelt violations will be Rs 10,000 for cars and jeeps; Rs 15,000 for public service vehicles; and Rs 20,000 for heavy vehicles.

The most severe penalties have been set for underage driving, with fines up to Rs25,000 for motorcycles, Rs. 30,000 for cars and jeeps, Rs50,000 for public service vehicles, and Rs100,000 for heavy vehicles.

Using a mobile phone while driving will attract fines of Rs5,000 for motorcyclists, Rs10,000 for cars and jeeps, Rs15,000 for public service vehicles, and Rs20,000 for heavy vehicles.

The motorbikes carrying more than two passengers will be fined Rs5,000, and parking on footpaths and main roads will attract fines ranging from Rs2,000 to Rs20,000 depending on the type of vehicle.

The Punjab government has issued this new rule to ensure responsible driving, curb road accidents, and safeguard the lives and properties of its citizens.