On major roads and motorways, AI cameras are operating 24 hours a day. Challans are automatically generated and attached to your vehicle number on each CNIC and are sent digitally without any prior notice being given to you. If you miss a payment, it remains in your excise and NADRA records. Here is the updated set of traffic rules and penalties for Pakistan in 2026.
How does the E-Challan System work in 2026?
These AI-based cameras automatically identify Traffic Rules violations. There is no need to have anyone from Law Enforcement present. There is no warning given before receiving a fine.
Drivers can check pending e-challans through the official system available in their province or city. In Punjab, challans can be checked through the PSCA E-Challan portal or the PSCA Public Safety App. In Karachi and other parts of Sindh, drivers can use the Sindh Police TRACS system, while motorists in Islamabad can use the Islamabad Traffic Police E-Challan portal. These platforms generally require a vehicle registration number and CNIC, although requirements may vary by region. Payment options also depend on the issuing authority and may include mobile wallets, online banking, banking apps, or designated payment centres. Unpaid challans remain outstanding and may affect vehicle verification, registration renewal, ownership transfer, or other related services where traffic police and excise systems are connected.
New Traffic Rules Every Driver Must Know
All passengers, including the driver, must wear a seatbelt on any road in the city or on the motorway.
- The camera picks up wrong-lane driving and needless lane changing, and both are considered traffic offences.
- For any reason except emergency vehicles, motorways are not to be used for stopping. This is a strict rule for an emergency lane and will be penalized if done for an invalid reason.
- Challan on using a mobile while driving.
From 25th June 2026, it is now mandatory for all vehicles using motorways and highways to carry a fire extinguisher. Provide one for commercial and public service vehicles, or they will be turned away.
Here is an updated list of traffic fines in Pakistan for 2026
| Violation | Fine |
| Overspeeding (motorcycle) | Rs. 5,000 |
| Overspeeding (heavy vehicle) | Rs. 20,000 |
| Signal / red light violation | Rs. 10,000 |
| Mobile phone while driving | Rs. 2,000-Rs. 8,000 |
| No helmet (motorcycle) | Rs. 2,000 |
| Driving without a licence (motorcycle) | Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000 |
| Driving without a licence (car) | 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 |
| No fitness certificate | Up to Rs. 100,000 |
| Reckless driving | Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 100,000 |
What Changed in the Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill 2026 for Punjab?
The motorcycle challan fines have been reduced from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 1,000 for certain violations, with a maximum cap of Rs. 2,000. Rickshaw minor offence fines dropped from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 1,000. Fines for selected offences of car and jeep decreased by Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 2,000. Those vehicles with more than 2000 cc are now liable to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000, reduced from Rs. 20,000. Previous offenses relative to licensing that were punishable by Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 100,000 fines are now accompanied by imprisonment. 5,000 fine with no jail term. Most common traffic tickets have had their jail sentences cut out of the sentence completely.
What to Do If You Receive an E-Challan?
Check the challan immediately through the official traffic police portal or mobile app available in your province or city. Depending on the region, you may need to enter your CNIC, vehicle registration number, or driving licence details. If the challan was issued to the wrong vehicle because of a camera or number-plate recognition error, contact the relevant traffic police department and follow its official correction or appeal process.
Pay the challan within the specified deadline. An unpaid challan does not automatically disappear; it remains outstanding in the records of the issuing authority. Depending on the province or city, it may also affect vehicle verification, registration renewal, ownership transfer, or other services where traffic police and excise records are connected.
Conclusion
While it’s easier to administer on paper, it’s also more difficult to evade traffic penalties in 2026 Pakistan. While the Punjab Amendment Bill 2026 has brought relief to fines, AI cameras are capturing violations at a new level that was simply unheard of before. Being up to date with the updated rules and checking the challan status regularly is no longer an option. It’s a part of driving in Pakistan 2026.
