In a strong push to enforce traffic regulations and restore discipline on city roads, authorities in Lahore have issued more than 112,000 challans to motorists in a recent crackdown on traffic violations. The campaign is part of an ongoing effort to curb reckless driving, ensure public safety, and promote a culture of responsible road use.
According to traffic officials, the majority of these challans were issued digitally through Lahore’s Safe City surveillance system. High-tech cameras equipped with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) have been monitoring key intersections and roads across the city, capturing violations and generating e-challans based on photographic evidence. These tickets are then sent directly to the violator’s registered address, streamlining the process and reducing chances of human error or unfair targeting.
The recent batch of over 112,000 challans reflects just one month of activity, but broader data from the City Traffic Police reveals an even more staggering picture. In the first half of the current year alone, over 2.8 million challans have been issued for a variety of infractions including signal violations, riding without helmets, driving without a valid license, lane violations, and improper parking. In the year prior, traffic authorities reported more than 3.7 million violations across Lahore—underscoring the scale of the problem and the persistence of non-compliance among drivers.
The traffic police, under the leadership of senior officers, have stated that the primary goal of these actions is not revenue generation but rather behavioral correction. By holding motorists accountable through consistent enforcement, the authorities aim to reduce accidents, congestion, and lawlessness on roads. Fines for common violations such as one-way driving, helmetless riding, and unlicensed driving can reach up to Rs. 2,000, with higher penalties for repeated or more dangerous offenses.
This ongoing campaign also aligns with provincial efforts to recover billions in unpaid fines, with traffic officials reportedly working to collect nearly Rs. 6 billion in outstanding e-challans. In extreme cases of repeated non-payment, authorities now have the power to impound vehicles and even auction them off to recover dues, under revised laws introduced to strengthen enforcement.
While the crackdown has been welcomed by some as a necessary step toward safer roads, public reaction remains mixed. Many drivers have voiced concerns over unclear traffic signage and inconsistent application of rules. Others argue that while enforcement is important, it must be matched with improved road infrastructure, clearer markings, and public awareness campaigns to ensure fairness and long-term impact.
With the rising number of vehicles on Lahore’s roads and a growing need for safer transportation systems, the recent issuance of over 112,000 challans sends a clear signal: traffic violations will no longer go unchecked. Authorities hope that this strict stance will not only improve driving habits but also lay the foundation for more organized and law-abiding urban traffic in the future.
