Sindh Implements Strict Traffic Penalties with New Fine System

The Sindh government has introduced a revamped system featuring significant fines and demerit points for traffic offences across the province. This revision is enacted through an amendment to the Twelfth Schedule, as per Section 121-A of the Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965.

Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, stated that stringent measures will be enforced against violations such as speeding, disobeying traffic signals, driving against the flow of traffic, overloading, and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license.

The updated regulations increase the fines based on vehicle category, encompassing motorcycles, cars/jeeps, public service vehicles, and heavy transport vehicles. Overspeeding will now incur a penalty of Rs5,000 for motorcycles, Rs15,000 for cars, and Rs20,000 for heavy transport vehicles, along with the assignment of eight demerit points, according to Memon.

Memon noted that operating a vehicle without a license could lead to a fine reaching Rs50,000, in addition to six demerit points. Careless or reckless driving will be penalized with a fine of Rs25,000 and eight demerit points. Comparable strict penalties are set for actions such as performing wheelies on motorcycles, riding without a helmet, using tinted windows on vehicles, driving in the incorrect lane, and transporting passengers on vehicle roofs.

According to Senior Minister Memon, the objective of these actions is to preserve life and strengthen road safety. He clarified that the government’s intention is not solely to collect fines but to ensure the well-being of the populace.

He stressed that breaches such as signal jumping, speeding, and wheelies are serious and life-threatening, endangering both drivers and other individuals. Strict actions will now be implemented against those who break these rules, and licences of repeat offenders could face suspension or cancellation.

He further commented that the administration is dedicated to implementing a digital monitoring infrastructure and boosting the proficiency of the traffic police, modernising the traffic management system. He highlighted that the demerit point system will aid in monitoring habitual offenders, noting that similar frameworks have been effectively deployed in advanced nations.

Public education campaigns will be launched to encourage citizens to adhere to traffic regulations responsibly. He urged people to help traffic authorities and adhere to the updated guidelines to prevent accidents, improve traffic efficiency, and enhance road safety for everyone.

Separately, while leading a session to assess the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP)’s efficiency and tactics on Friday, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan cautioned that drivers exceeding 150 km/h on motorways will be subject to a First Information Report (FIR).

Aleem Khan gave instructions to guarantee the stringent enforcement of regulations regarding speeding and axle load. He clarified that vehicles exceeding 120 km/h will face fines, whereas speeds over 150 km/h will result in legal action.

The minister underscored the importance of averting accidents by means of awareness initiatives, distributing informational materials, and positioning warning signs at entry routes.