Lahore traffic police have announced stricter enforcement measures aimed at preventing fatal road accidents, including suspending driving licences and seeking the suspension of route permits for public service vehicles involved in serious crashes.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore Syed Abdul Rahim Sherazi said authorities would take action against drivers involved in fatal and serious non-fatal accidents, subject to court orders and the applicable legal process. Drivers found responsible for fatal crashes will also face legal proceedings.
According to figures cited in the report published on October 26, 2026, traffic authorities have suspended the driving licences of 117 drivers involved in accidents this year. Officials have also written to the relevant authorities seeking suspension of route permits for 97 public service vehicles.
The measures come amid growing concerns about road safety in Lahore, particularly the involvement of heavy and commercial vehicles in serious accidents. The traffic police have also intensified inspections of commercial vehicles to check driving licences, vehicle fitness certificates, overloading and other safety violations.
Heavy and Commercial Vehicles Linked to Disproportionate Accident Figures
CTO Abdul Rahim Sherazi said heavy and commercial vehicles account for approximately 4% of total traffic but are involved in 44% of road accidents, according to the figures cited in the report.
The statistics have prompted authorities to strengthen enforcement against vehicles and drivers considered to pose road safety risks.
Heavy vehicles, including trucks, trailers, tractor-trolleys and other commercial transport, can pose greater risks in collisions because of their size, weight and braking requirements. Unsafe loading, excessive dimensions, poor vehicle maintenance and driver negligence can further increase the risk of serious crashes.
Traffic authorities have therefore emphasised the need for stricter checks and compliance with road safety regulations.
Earlier in October, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported that Lahore traffic police had ordered intensified checks on public service vehicles, commercial transport and heavy traffic entering the city. Officials also warned against transporting goods that protrude beyond the prescribed dimensions of a vehicle. Source: Associated Press of Pakistan
Driving Licences to Be Suspended After Serious Accidents
Under the latest instructions, authorities will suspend the driving licences of drivers involved in fatal or serious non-fatal accidents, subject to court orders.
The measure is intended to prevent potentially dangerous drivers from continuing to operate vehicles while the relevant proceedings are underway.
Drivers found responsible for fatal accidents will also face legal action, according to the CTO.
The process will depend on the circumstances of each incident and the applicable legal requirements. The announcement does not mean that every driver involved in a crash has automatically been found guilty; responsibility must be assessed through the relevant investigation and legal proceedings.
The traffic police have also warned that drivers who continue operating vehicles despite having suspended licences will face cases.
This enforcement approach is intended to discourage drivers from ignoring suspension orders and to strengthen accountability following serious road incidents.
Route Permits of 97 Public Service Vehicles Under Review
In addition to action against individual drivers, the Lahore traffic police have written to the relevant authorities seeking suspension of route permits for 97 public service vehicles.
A route permit authorises a vehicle to operate specified passenger or commercial transport services under the applicable rules.
Suspending a vehicle’s route permit could prevent it from operating commercially, subject to the decision of the competent authority. Officials say this measure would also stop other drivers from operating the same vehicle if its permit is suspended.
The approach extends accountability beyond the individual driver and places attention on the vehicles being used for public transport.
However, the reported action involves requests to the relevant authorities; it should not be interpreted as confirmation that all 97 route permits have already been suspended.
The final decisions will depend on the applicable procedures and the authorities responsible for issuing or maintaining the permits.
Reckless Driving Could Lead to Long Licence Suspensions
The CTO said licences of drivers found responsible for reckless driving could remain suspended for periods ranging from six months to three years, depending on the applicable rules and circumstances.
Drivers who continue to operate vehicles during a suspension could face additional legal proceedings.
The measures are part of a wider effort to improve compliance with traffic regulations and discourage irresponsible driving.
Authorities have repeatedly highlighted the dangers posed by overloading, unsafe commercial vehicles, invalid driving licences and violations of traffic restrictions.
In October, Lahore traffic police also ordered cases to be registered against heavy vehicles entering or operating in the city during prohibited hours instead of relying solely on routine traffic challans. Source: The News International
These steps reflect a broader enforcement strategy focused on preventing avoidable crashes and ensuring that drivers and transport operators follow established safety requirements.
Traffic Police Also Target Smoke-Emitting Vehicles
The latest measures extend beyond accident-related enforcement.
According to Sherazi, authorities will also suspend the licences of drivers operating vehicles identified as contributing significantly to smog.
The announcement comes as Lahore faces seasonal air-quality concerns, with traffic emissions forming part of the wider environmental challenge.
Traffic police have intensified checks of heavy vehicles at entry and exit points, examining driving licences, fitness certificates, vehicle dimensions and visible emissions.
Officials have also warned that vehicles with excessive smoke emissions, unsafe loading or missing safety equipment may be stopped from entering the city.
These checks aim to address both road safety and environmental concerns through closer monitoring of commercial traffic.
What the New Measures Mean for Drivers and Transport Operators
The stricter enforcement measures could have significant implications for commercial drivers, public service vehicle operators and transport businesses working in Lahore.
Drivers must ensure that their licences are valid and that they comply with the restrictions applicable to their vehicles. Transport operators should also verify that vehicles have the required route permits, fitness certificates and safety equipment.
Employers and fleet owners may need to pay closer attention to driver records and vehicle conditions to avoid regulatory action and disruption to their operations.
For the public, stronger enforcement is intended to reduce the risk of serious crashes and improve safety on the city’s roads. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on consistent implementation, accurate accident investigations and compliance by drivers and transport companies.
What Happens Next?
Lahore traffic police have signalled that action against serious traffic violations will continue, with licence suspensions and route-permit proceedings forming part of the enforcement effort.
The department has reported suspending 117 drivers’ licences in connection with accidents this year and requesting action against the route permits of 97 public service vehicles.
Further decisions will depend on the findings of individual cases and the relevant legal and administrative procedures.
For drivers and transport operators, the message is clear: maintaining valid documentation, following road safety rules and ensuring vehicles are fit for operation are essential to avoiding penalties and protecting lives.
The authorities’ stated priority is to reduce fatal accidents through stricter enforcement and greater accountability across Lahore’s transport system.
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