The Lahore Traffic Police has introduced a new rule making helmets compulsory for both riders and passengers using motorcycle ride-hailing services across the city.
Chief Traffic Officer Athar Waheed has directed ride-hailing companies providing bike services to ensure that passengers are also given helmets during travel.
According to the directive, companies offering motorcycle ride services must keep an additional helmet for passengers so that both the rider and passenger wear helmets while double riding.
The CTO emphasised that double riding without helmets is already prohibited and warned that strict action will be taken against those violating the rule.
Ride-hailing companies have been instructed to strictly follow the directive and provide an extra helmet for every passenger using bike services in Lahore.
Children under 18 allowed to ride motorbikes in Punjab
Earlier, the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs has approved the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2026, allowing children under 18 to ride motorbikes in Punjab.
The committee approved the proposal to permit motorcycle riding at the age of 16. It also decided to introduce a Juvenile Driving Permit for underage riders. Under the bill, a formal legal framework will be created for motorcycle riders aged 16 to 18.
The Juvenile Driving Permit will be issued by the licensing authority. Compliance with prescribed conditions, supervision, and rules will be mandatory for riding motorcycles. The government says the legislation aims to curb the growing trend of underage driving without licenses, improve road safety, and reduce traffic accidents.
The proposal also includes amendments to the Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1965. After approval by the standing committee, the bill will now be presented in the Punjab Assembly session. If passed, it will become law.
The move is expected to affect nearly seven million teenagers across Punjab. Authorities say it aims to curb unlicensed riding and improve road safety.
The issue drew public attention after recent crackdowns on underage riders, including students. Viral videos showed handcuffed schoolchildren being produced in courts. Police say blanket bans created enforcement problems and pushed more teenagers to ride without licenses.
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