Lahore Traffic Police Launches Massive Crackdown Against Underage and Unlicensed Drivers

Traffic police on Sunday launched a citywide crackdown against underage and unlicensed drivers, announcing strict action against violators of traffic regulations.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi said vehicles and motorcycles being driven by underage motorists would be impounded and shifted to police stations in addition to issuance of challans.

He said motorists driving cars with learner permits or expired licenses would face a fine of Rs. 5,000, while motorcycle riders would be fined Rs. 2,000 for similar violations.

Action would also be taken against triple riding, he added.

The CTO said commercial vehicles could not be driven on car or motorcycle licenses, adding that a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) license had been made mandatory for buses, wagons and other public transport vehicles.

Drivers of trucks, trailers and other heavy vehicles must possess a Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) license, he added.

Shirazi said all license offices in the city would remain open despite the holiday, while special checking points had also been established outside the offices to identify motorists without valid licenses.

He added that online facilities for learner permits, duplicate licenses and license renewals were also available for public convenience.

According to the CTO, the city currently has 11 driving testing centers, two mobile vans and 20 facilitation centers.

The CTO warned that underage driving and driving without valid licenses would not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that circle officers had been directed to personally supervise the crackdown.