Punjab Driving License Saga – A Comprehensive Guide

Abdullah

04 Jan 2024

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Punjab Driving License Saga – A Comprehensive Guide

In the aftermath of a tragic accident caused by a teenager without a valid license, Punjab witnessed the initiation of a comprehensive reform in the Driving License System. This blog serves as a compilation of key updates following the incident, encompassing changes in fines, FIRs, license fees, and facilitative measures.

Crackdown and FIR Confusion

Promptly after the accident, law enforcement cracked down on drivers without valid licenses, leading to the registration of FIRs. However, amidst the ensuing confusion, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Mustansar Feroze clarified that citizens with valid learner permits, expired licenses, or licenses from other countries would face fines, not FIRs. Furthermore, Punjab's caretaker CM Naqvi announced a three-day exemption from fines for those holding license tokens.

Record-Breaking License Issuance

A staggering development emerged as the provincial traffic police reported the issuance of an impressive 74,000 Driving license tests in a single day. Notably, the provincial capital, Lahore, led the way with 24,000 licenses issued, signaling a substantial increase in adherence to licensing requirements.

Accessibility at Police Stations

To streamline the process of obtaining Learner's Licenses, Lahore Traffic Police introduced a transformative initiative, effective from December 6, 2023. Learner's licenses are now conveniently available at the front desks of police stations across Lahore, marking a significant departure from the previous cumbersome procedures.

Dramatic License Fee Hike

In a surprising move, the provincial government approved a substantial increase in driving license fees for both cars and motorcycles, soaring from Rs. 60 to a whopping Rs. 1000. This decision triggered a storm of criticism on social media, with citizens expressing dissatisfaction over the timing of the increase.

Relief in Driving License Fee

Amidst the uproar, the traffic police clarified that citizens had until December 31 to obtain licenses at the existing rate. However, starting January 1, 2024, motorists were obligated to pay the escalated fee of Rs. 1000. In a welcoming move, the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, delivered significant relief by postponing the implementation of the proposed fee increase to Jan 9, 2024.

Surge in Annual License Fees

Beginning January 1, 2024, the Punjab government increased annual fees for learners, renewals, and new driving licenses. The Lahore City Traffic Police shared revised annual fees for various license categories, shifting from a five-year to an annual fee collection system.

License Type	5-year Fee (PKR)	New Annual Fee (PKR)
Learner	60	500
Bike	550	500
Car/Jeep	950	1800
Motorcycle Rickshaw	550	500
Light Transport (LTV)	950	2000
Heavy Transport (HTV)	450	2000
Tractor	450	1000
Commercial Tractor	450	1500
Public Service Vehicle	450	1500
Disable Persons	20	0
Other Categories	100	1000

Online License Renewal System

In a tech-savvy move, Lahore City Traffic Police announced that individuals can now renew their licenses online for durations ranging from one to ten years. Additionally, an international driving license remains valid for three years under the new system, NET, which replaces the two-decade-old Oracle system. The update assures candidates that they no longer need to undergo Physical Driving Tests.

As these initiatives unfold, what are your thoughts on the measures taken by the provincial government? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section.

Punjab Driving License License Saga Driving Regulations Traffic Reform Punjab Road Safety License Fees Traffic Updates Driving Rules Lahore Traffic License Renewal Online Punjab Learner Permits Online 2024 Islamabad Learner Permit 2024 Islamabad Online Driving License 2024

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