Lahore Ring Road Fines Rise to Rs10,000: New Penalty List for Drivers
Lahore Ring Road has become more costly to drive. The fines authority has placed on a long list of violations that have been raised by the Ring Road Authority, and some have been increased by up to 10 times. Here are the things that changed and why.
Who Raised the Fines and Why?
The new fines were imposed under the vision “Safe Roads, Safe Punjab” on instructions from the Punjab Ring Road Authority Chairperson, Safiullah Gondal. The purpose, the authority says, is to crack down on traffic violations and make roads safer. The rates are only effective for Lahore Ring Road. They are not applicable to all roads in Punjab by default.
What Are the New Fines?
Several sources cite the following figures:
- Driving without a licence: Rs 5,000, up from Rs 500
- Underage driving: Rs 10,000
- Overspeeding: Rs 5,000 up to 2,000cc, Rs 10,000 above 2,000cc
- Overloading: Rs 7,000, up from Rs 2,000
- Smoke-emitting vehicles: Rs 4,000
- Tinted glass or no number plate: Rs 5,000
- Illegal parking: Rs 2,000, up from Rs 1,000
- Motorcycle entering the Ring Road: Rs 5,000
- Pedestrian crossing: Rs 1,000, up from Rs 200
The owner of the animal brought on the road will be charged Rs5,000 per animal.
Earlier reports also had a fine of Rs 5,000 and an FIR for driving in the wrong direction, but that was a proposal. Check the final notification.
How Many Drivers Had Already Received Fines?
During September alone, Ring Road police exhibited 1,783 illegally driven vehicles, 2,088 choking vehicles and 281 motorcycles. They also handed out 2,793 challans against illegal crossing of the street by pedestrians. The other report includes a further 6,183 overloading cases, 3,095 vehicles without number plates and 446 with tinted glass. These numbers show that enforcement is already active.
Why Does This Matter If You Already Pay City Fines?
Fines do add up. The city traffic police, the Safe City cameras, and the Ring Road police, now all impose penalties on motorists. Critics point out this will compound the strain on commuters already suffering from the high inflation they have endured.
What steps can be taken to avoid any fines?
- Take a valid driving licence with you all the time.
- Do not give keys to young family members.
- Ensure that your number plate is visible and vehicle exhaust emissions are controlled.
- Take out dark tinted glass if it does not comply with regulations.
- Obey traffic signs and only overtake on the proper side.
- Regularly visit to look for unpaid challan on your vehicle.
Conclusion
The new Ring Road fines are higher and they apply to more offenses. Obviously the easiest way to avoid them is to follow the law, keep your vehicle in good condition and bring your licence. Please refer to the official notification for the final schedule.
