Vehicle Emissions Test in Lahore- Deadline, Fines & Everything You Need to Know
The Punjab Government has recently launched a comprehensive Emission Test System (ETS) for vehicles in Lahore, and it is gradually being rolled out across the province. To shed light on this new initiative, PakWheels sat down with Mr. Sajid Basheer, Communication Head of the Punjab Environment Department.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Q: What is the foundation behind this emission test initiative? Is it part of a new policy?
Mr. Sajid: This isn’t a new policy — it’s an amendment to the existing environmental law. With smog becoming a recurring problem in Punjab, especially during the winter, studies show that vehicular emissions account for more than 80% of the pollution. Previously, the focus was mainly on commercial vehicles, which were inspected by the Transport and Traffic Police. However, that accounted for only a small fraction of total emissions.
Now, we’ve extended this system to cover private vehicles, motorbikes, and rickshaws, as they significantly contribute to pollution levels.
Q: What exactly does the ETS (Emission Test System) check?
We’re testing all small four-wheelers and motorcycles. If a vehicle’s emissions are not within the limits defined by the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS), it does not receive certification. Owners are then given 7 days to tune their vehicle and get it retested. Once the issue is fixed, we provide a green certificate.
Q: Are buses and coaches responsible for smog?
Not entirely. In Lahore alone, there are around 2 million small vehicles, 4.5 million motorbikes, and about 0.5–0.6 million buses and trucks. While buses emit more per vehicle, their numbers are far fewer. Collectively, smaller vehicles and bikes emit a much higher total volume of pollutants, making them a major contributor to poor air quality.
Q: Is this ETS limited to Lahore, or is it being expanded elsewhere?
While the current operation is in Lahore, the plan is to expand this system across Punjab. Eventually, every small vehicle — from motorcycles and rickshaws to private cars — will need to pass ETS before hitting the road.
Q: Where are the ETS testing booths located in Lahore?
We have eight emission testing booths at the following locations:
- Mall Road, Istanbul Chowk, Town Hall Parking
Morning: 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Lake City, Al-Kabir Town, Raiwind Road
Morning: 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM - Kahna, Patwaar Khana, LDA Road, Gajumata
Morning: 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM - DHA, Packages Mall
Morning: 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM - Gulberg, Liberty Gol Chakar
Morning: 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM - Johar Town, Emporium Mall
Morning: 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM - Wapda Town, Evercare Hospital
Morning: 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM - Bahria Town
Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Q: What emission standards are vehicles tested against?
We use the NEQS guidelines. Vehicles must remain within stipulated emission readings. If they exceed those, they are not certified. The good news is that about 90% of tested vehicles are already compliant, especially newer ones. Only 10% — mostly over 15–20 years old — failed the initial test.
Q: What should a vehicle owner do if their car fails the test?
It’s usually a minor issue. We advise owners to visit their workshop, get the vehicle tuned, change or clean the catalytic converter, and come back for testing. Major engine repairs are not usually required.
Q: Is the ETS service currently free of charge?
Yes, the government is offering this testing service free of cost for now. However, a fee structure will be implemented soon.
Q: What is the deadline to get vehicles tested and certified?
The government has extended the deadline until 30th June, considering the volume of vehicles in Lahore. A test takes only 5 minutes per vehicle, and we can process 700–800 cars daily. After this grace period, if a car is found without a green certificate, the owner will be fined:
-
PKR 2,000 for the first offence
-
PKR 5,000 for the second offence
Q: Do you have a message for the public?
We encourage everyone to take this initiative seriously and get their vehicles tested as part of routine maintenance. Share your experience on social media and WhatsApp groups to spread awareness. Early compliance will save time, avoid penalties, and contribute to cleaner air.
Final Thoughts
This initiative represents a significant step toward reducing vehicular pollution and enhancing air quality in urban areas. With Lahore as the starting point, the Emission Test System (ETS) is expected to play a pivotal role across Punjab.
Ensure your vehicle is tuned, tested, and certified.
For more automotive updates, stay tuned to PakWheels. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us for all the latest news.
Can you define and explain NEQS guidelines ?
I looked for it on internet and it gave me Pakistan Environmental protection Agency website
I clicked but i cannot access the website
What are the treshold of particules emission we should not exeeed, and what are the fines amount ?
Will it be mendatory to have a car inspection (Safety and emission)?
As admitted by the Communications Head of Punjab Environment Department, the newer vehicles don’t have this issue of emissions. Therefore they should have made Emissions testing mandatory only for 10 or 7 years old vehicles. Making even newer cars getting tested is a waste of resources and just a way for government to create a new way to collect fines.