Punjab Mandates Fitness Certificates for Motorcycles Under New Transport Law

LAHORE:
In a significant move aimed at curbing pollution and improving road safety, the Punjab government has made it mandatory for motorcycles to obtain fitness certificates, a requirement previously limited to private and commercial vehicles. This change comes under the newly amended Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965.

The decision, approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, marks a step toward enhanced regulatory oversight of the province’s rapidly growing two-wheeler population. The development was confirmed by Secretary of the Punjab Provincial Transport Authority (PPTA), Muhammad Hassan Ahsan, in a statement to SAMAA TV.

“Just like private cars, motorcycles will now undergo regular fitness inspections,” said Ahsan. “This is essential for addressing the deteriorating air quality, especially in urban areas like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi.”

The revised ordinance aims to enforce both emission control and mechanical safety standards on motorcycles, which contribute significantly to urban air pollution.

As part of wider reforms in the transport sector, the provincial government is also digitising the route permit system, replacing outdated handwritten challans and manual records with a streamlined, transparent process. Citizens will soon be able to apply for route permits online, helping to eliminate bribery and inefficiencies in departmental processes.

Ahsan added that the mapping of transport routes in all districts has been completed, laying the groundwork for improved planning and enforcement.

He warned that motorcycles emitting excessive pollutants will be identified and penalised under the new law, and strict enforcement will soon follow.

Another pressing issue addressed in the reform agenda is vehicle overloading, which Ahsan said remains a key concern for road safety and infrastructure stress. “We are now developing a digital monitoring system to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of overloaded vehicles damaging roads and increasing accident rates,” he said.

These changes form part of a broader vision to modernise Punjab’s transport ecosystem, improve service delivery, and align with global environmental standards.