Inspector General National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP), Sultan Ali Khowaja has unveiled a significant initiative approved by the Government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Communications to reinforce road safety and prioritize the well-being of commuters and their belongings. To ensure the effective enforcement of traffic laws on the extensive network of National Highways, the NH&MP has taken proactive measures aimed to guarantee secure travel and safety of the commuters as well as their property. This comprehensive plan unfolds in two phases, with the first phase commencing on October 1st, 2023, on Motorways, Hazara and Swat Expressway, where specific fines were increased for cars and jeeps. The escalation in fine rates across various traffic violations is in line with the government's commitment to curb serious violations of traffic laws, guided by the amended twelfth schedule of the National Highway Safety Ordinance 2000. Moving forward to the second phase, scheduled for January 1st, 2024, the revised fine schedule will be implemented for all vehicle types on all National Highways and Motorways under the jurisdiction of the National Highways and Motorway Police. Under the revised fine structure, the following penalties will be imposed for various traffic violations.

Speed Limit Violations Motorcyclists Rs 1500, Cars Rs 2500, Public Service Vehicles (PSV) Rs 10,000 and Goods Vehicles, Rs 5000. Careless Driving Motorcycles, Cars and Light Transport Vehicle (LTV) Rs 1500 and for Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) Rs 5000. Driving without License Motorcycle riders, Car drivers and LTV drivers Rs 5000 and Public Service Vehicles (PSV) and Goods Vehicles (HTV) Rs 10,000. Overloading in cargo vehicles the fine amount will be Rs 10,000. Failure to Give Way to Emergency Vehicles Rs 5000 for all type of traffic. Exceeding Prescribed Passenger Limits in (PSV) Rs 5000, Riding without Helmet Motorcycles Rs 1000, Driving Without Seat Belt for Cars and (LTV) Rs 1500 and Passenger and Heavy Vehicles Rs 3000, for Mobile Phone violation the fine for Motorcycle Riders and Car drivers the fine amount will be Rs 500, for (LTV) Rs 2000 and for Passenger Carriers and Heavy Vehicles Rs 5000. Unregistered Motorcycles, Cars, and (LTV) Rs 2000, Passenger Carriers and Heavy Vehicles Rs 5000. In this context, the rate of fines for all other traffic laws violation mentioned in 12th schedule will be increased from January 1st, 2024.

Inspector General Sultan Ali Khowaja underscored that this revision was aimed to prioritize passenger safety and ensure the stringent implementation of traffic rules. He said that the National Highways and Motorway Police was committed to undertake every conceivable measure to guarantee the secure and comfortable travel of citizens on the National Highways. Encouraging a proactive approach, citizens are urged to adhere to traffic regulations diligently, thereby contributing to the creation of a safer and more secure journey for all. The unwavering commitment of the National Highways and Motorway Police to the safety of life and property during travel stands as the paramount objective, resonating throughout this comprehensive initiative.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)