The Punjab government has introduced a new requirement for private vehicle owners, making an annual fitness certificate mandatory for vehicles across the province.
Under the new rule, private vehicles will have to undergo a fitness test every year to obtain the required certificate.
Vehicle owners found without a valid fitness certificate will initially face a traffic fine. If the violation continues, authorities may also impound the vehicle.
However, the requirement could create difficulties for vehicle owners as Punjab currently has only 13 fitness testing centres to inspect millions of vehicles across the province.
The government has set the annual fee for obtaining a fitness certificate between Rs500 and Rs2,000, depending on the vehicle.
The new requirement is expected to add another recurring expense for vehicle owners while also placing additional pressure on the limited number of fitness testing centres.
Also Read, Punjab announces crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles
Earlier, Punjab authorities announced a crackdown on private vehicles emitting excessive smoke as part of efforts to combat smog and curb air pollution. Vehicle owners have been given until October 15, 2026, to have their vehicles inspected and fix any emission or roadworthiness issues. Legal action will be taken against vehicles found emitting excessive smoke after the deadline.
Hassan Ahsan, Secretary of the Punjab Transport Authority, announced that legal action would be taken without discrimination against all smoke-emitting private vehicles from October 15. The initiative is aimed at reducing air pollution and minimising the potential impact of smog across the province. Speaking at a press conference on the smog situation and preparations for the upcoming season, the Transport Secretary said the Transport Department, Environmental Protection Agency, and other relevant departments were working together to tackle the issue. He noted that similar coordination among government departments last year had contributed to a significant improvement in the smog situation.
