The Punjab government has dramatically tightened traffic laws with fines for common violations such as signal jumping and wrong-way driving increased by up to 900% and new punishments including possible jail time for one-way violations.
According to the new 12th Schedule, almost every category of road user will pay more for breaking the traffic rules:
Big jumps in fines
- Over-speeding now costs:
- Motorcycle: Rs 2,000
- 3-wheeler: Rs 3,000
- Car/jeep: Rs 5,000
- Commercial vehicles: Rs 10,000
- Public service vehicles (buses, wagons etc.): Rs 15,000
- Fines up to Rs 5,000 for private vehicles and Rs 15,000–20,000 for commercial and public service vehicles for these violations:
- Wrong-way / one-way driving
- Signal violation
- Using a mobile phone while driving
- Driving without a licence .
- Hit-and-run is among the harshest:
- Motorcycle: Rs 20,000
- Car/jeep: Rs 50,000
- Commercial: Rs 100,000
- Public service: Rs 150,000
- Driving an unregistered or unfit vehicle:
- These traffic violations can now cost up to Rs 50,000 for private users and Rs 100,000–150,000 for commercial and public transport.
Demerit points and seatbelt / helmet rules
Each violation also adds 2 to 4 demerit points to the driver’s record. Accumulating too many points can eventually lead to licence suspension in longer run.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for motorcyclists (fine: Rs 2,000), while front-seat passengers irrespective of private or commercial must now wear seatbelts. Failure to do so is treated as a traffic offence. Parking in a no-parking zone or lane violations will also be penalized heavily under new fine rules.
Officials say the tougher regime is aimed at curbing reckless driving and reducing road accidents across Punjab, urging motorists to drive carefully and follow the updated rules.
