Punjab’s government is getting tough on traffic rule breakers. Fines have jumped up to 900%, and drivers without licenses or helmets now face FIRs and vehicle seizures.
Controversy Over Treatment of Underage Drivers
However, the tough stance has sparked backlash, particularly after reports surfaced of police arresting and handcuffing underage drivers. Videos showing minors in uniforms being detained quickly spread on social media, and people worried it could harm their futures.
Following this news, the Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, on social media today, showed strong upset over the handcuffing of children for minor traffic violations.
In the same post, she said that 16-year-olds can now get driving licenses for bikes, and no helmet violators will get warning challans, not FIRs.
CTO Responds: “No Official Orders Yet”
To clarify the situation, we contacted the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) of Punjab. He said no formal order has been issued regarding licensing changes so far. However, we think that if CM has posted this news on social media, the official order might be issued soon.
Addressing reports of minors being handcuffed, the CTO strongly denied the claims. He stated that the standard procedure is to impound the vehicle and complete legal documentation, without handcuffing minors. According to him, the videos currently circulating are old and do not represent the current policy..
A Point of Confusion
Despite the CTO’s explanation, a major question remains unanswered:
If no minors are being handcuffed, why did the Chief Minister publicly react so strongly?
That question remains unanswered.
No Leniency for Unlicensed Drivers
The CTO confirmed that FIRs for driving without a valid license remain in full effect. Authorities show no signs of easing enforcement—especially for adults over 18 who fail to obtain a license.
The Bottom Line
For now, drivers, young and old, must follow the traffic rules at all costs, as the crackdown shows no signs of easing, especially for unlicensed drivers over 18, are advised to get their license before traffic police stop you and impound your vehicle with an FIR in hand.
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