Punjab has introduced a major overhaul of its traffic laws for 2025, bringing higher fines, a digital e-challan system, and a new licence penalty-points regime. These changes are designed to improve road safety, curb violations, and reduce manual challan disputes. If you drive any type of vehicle in Punjab — a motorcycle, car, van, bus, or commercial truck — this guide explains everything you need to know in a clear, practical, and SEO-optimized format.
A Quick Overview of What’s New
The new traffic ordinance reshapes the complete enforcement structure with four major upgrades:
- Significant increase in traffic fines across almost all offences
- Province-wide rollout of e-challans and automated camera surveillance
- A penalty-points system that can suspend your licence if you cross the annual limit
- Stricter rules for motorcyclists, commercial vehicles, heavy transport, and loaders
These reforms aim to reduce accidents, discourage reckless driving, and streamline digital enforcement.
Why These Changes Matter for Every Driver
The updated fines are not symbolic — even small violations can now cost enough to impact your monthly budget. Points assigned to each offence accumulate quickly, meaning repeated behaviour can lead to suspension of your licence. Automated e-challans also remove the previous flexibility drivers sometimes relied on. In short, the margin for error is now much smaller.
Major Violations Targeted Under the New Rules
Punjab’s new ordinance focuses on high-risk behaviours that commonly lead to accidents:
Speeding
Speed limit violations now carry significantly higher fines. Camera-based monitoring is expanding on highways and urban roads, increasing the chances of automated e-challans.
Red-Light Jumping
Signal violations and red-light jumping are treated as serious, high-risk offences. The fine amount varies based on vehicle category, with heavier penalties on large-engine vehicles.
Helmet & Seatbelt Violations
Riding without a helmet or driving without a seatbelt remains one of the most frequent offences. Fines have increased and may now also include penalty-points deductions.
Mobile Phone Use While Driving
Using a handheld phone is a major distraction and now carries a stricter fine along with points that stay on your record for the required period.
Wrong Parking & Obstruction
Blocking traffic flow, double parking, or parking in no-parking zones can earn fines that are higher than before.
Overloading & Dangerous Loading
Commercial vehicles, tractor-trolleys, and trucks face tougher action against overloading and unsafe loading practices. Heavy fines and multi-point penalties can apply.
Unnecessary Horn Use & Noise Violations
Noise pollution violations are included under behavioural offences and carry a defined fine.
The New Penalty-Points System (How It Works)
Every listed offence now adds points to your driving record. Smaller offences may add 1–2 points, while serious violations can add 4–6 points. Once a driver accumulates the yearly threshold, their licence may be suspended for a defined period.
Points are meant to enforce long-term discipline — even low-fine violations can stack up and result in suspension if repeated multiple times.
Key Things to Know About Points
- Points stay on your record for the assigned duration
- Repeated minor violations matter
- Licence suspension can range from months to a full year
- Commercial drivers must be especially careful as heavy-vehicle violations carry more points
E-Challans: The New Digital Enforcement System
Punjab’s e-challan system is designed to reduce manual challans, increase transparency, and remove disputes. Automated cameras installed across major roads, intersections, and highways capture violations and issue challans directly to your vehicle number plate.
What Happens When You Receive an E-Challan?
- The challan is automatically generated by the system
- It is linked to your vehicle registration database
- You can view it online through the official portal or application
- You must pay by the due date to avoid further penalties
- You can submit an appeal if the challan is incorrect, provided you attach valid evidence
How to Check and Pay Your Challan (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the official online challan portal or open the dedicated mobile app
- Enter your vehicle registration number or CNIC
- View all unpaid challans on your dashboard
- Select your challan to see violation details and payment amount
- Pay through online banking, mobile wallet, or designated service centres
- Save the receipt or payment confirmation for your record
- If you want to contest a challan, follow the appeal procedure on the same portal
This new digital system ensures transparency and reduces physical visits to traffic offices.
Fine Amounts: How Much Has Changed?
While amounts vary by category, here is a general overview of how fines have increased:
- Speeding: Higher fines for all vehicle categories
- Red-Light Violation: Heavy fines for cars, SUVs, vans, buses, and trucks
- Helmet/Seatbelt Violations: Increased penalties across the board
- Mobile Phone Use: Significant increase + penalty points
- Overloading: Strongest fine increase for commercial vehicles
- Faulty Number Plates: Fines increased to discourage fake or unreadable plates
Fine structures have been reorganized to ensure proportional penalties based on vehicle type and offence severity.
How These Changes Affect Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists are heavily targeted due to high accident rates. Expect:
- Higher fines for helmet violations
- Fines for triple riding
- Fines for wrong overtaking
- Penalties for stunts or rash driving
- Automated camera detection at intersections
Riders should expect consistent enforcement in urban areas.
How These Changes Affect Commercial & Heavy Vehicles
Commercial transport operators face the strictest penalties because of the potential risk associated with large vehicles. Expect:
- Higher fines for overloading
- Increased checks for emissions
- Penalties for dangerous or unsecured cargo
- Licence point accumulation at a faster rate
- Mandatory adherence to updated fitness and inspection rules
Fleet owners must brief drivers and implement monitoring systems to reduce violations.
Impact of the New Ordinance on Road Safety
The goal of these reforms is to create a safer, more disciplined driving environment. Major expected impacts include:
- Reduction in signal violations
- Lowering of fatal road accidents
- More disciplined commercial traffic
- Better compliance with helmets, seatbelts, and speed limits
- Reduced corruption due to fewer manual challans
Digital enforcement will make driving behaviour more accountable.
Common Driver Mistakes That Now Lead to Bigger Penalties
- Forgetting to renew licence or registration
- Driving with covered or modified number plates
- Ignoring seatbelt/helmet rules during short trips
- Parking carelessly in congested markets
- Using a phone at signals (still counts as a violation)
Avoiding these mistakes alone can save significant money and points.
Top 10 Tips to Avoid Fines Under the New Rules
- Follow posted speed limits everywhere
- Never jump red lights — automation is increasing
- Always wear seatbelts (front & back)
- Motorcyclists must wear proper helmets, not “fashion” helmets
- Do not use mobile phones while driving
- Keep number plates clear, original, and readable
- Ensure your vehicle meets emissions standards
- Avoid overloading passengers or cargo
- Park only in permitted spaces
- Check your e-challan status every month
Small habits can prevent major financial loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will my licence get suspended automatically after certain points?
Yes. Once you cross the annual threshold, suspension rules apply for the designated period.
Can I appeal an incorrect e-challan?
Yes. You must submit your appeal online with valid evidence.
Am I responsible if someone else was driving my vehicle?
The challan is issued to the registered owner, but you can contest it if you provide proof.
Do points reset every year?
Points generally follow an annual cycle depending on enforcement rules.
What Every Driver Should Do Now (Final Checklist)
- Register on the online challan portal
- Check your outstanding penalties
- Update your vehicle documents
- Train family members or drivers who use your vehicle
- Install hands-free calling if needed
- Mark renewal dates for driving licence and vehicle token
- Bookmark the e-challan website or app for quick access
Being proactive will save you time, money, and stress.