KARACHI – In response to increasing traffic violations in Karachi, the Sindh government has approved a draft of the most stringent traffic regulations in the province’s history.
The proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicle Rules and traffic laws were approved by the provincial cabinet’s sub-committee and are now headed to the full Sindh Cabinet for final approval.
Under the proposed changes, traffic fines could soar as high as Rs300,000. Notable among the reforms is a ban on international travel for individuals who fail to pay traffic fines.
The committee has also recommended compulsory fitness certification for all commercial and non-commercial vehicles and approved a complete ban on four- and six-seater rickshaws.
Proposed Traffic Fines
Violations such as driving on the wrong side of the road (wrong-way driving) could attract massive penalties Rs25,000 for motorcycles and Rs100,000 for four-wheelers, while government vehicles violating one-way rules could be fined up to Rs200,000.
Additionally, freight vehicles must now be equipped with a minimum of five cameras, while water tankers and dumpers must install mandatory trackers and sensors.
Driving without a license will attract steep penalties: Rs25,000 for motorcycles and Rs50,000 for cars. The sale of tinted windows, fancy lights, and hooters will be banned both online and in physical stores.
To enforce these regulations, e-challans will be sent directly to the vehicle owner’s registered address, and the systems of traffic, transport, and excise departments will be integrated.
The government has also proposed the appointment of special magistrates to handle traffic violation cases, while dangerous driving behaviors like one-wheeling and drifting will be punishable with a Rs100,000 fine on first offense.
