The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department Punjab has instructed traffic police across the province not to penalize motorists for using privately produced vehicle number plates, as long as those plates comply with the officially approved Punjab format.
In a letter dated February 19, 2026, the Office of the Director General Excise and Taxation Punjab informed the Punjab Traffic Police that during routine inspections, some officers had been demanding “original” government-issued number plates. In certain instances, drivers were reportedly fined for not displaying plates manufactured by the government.
The department clarified that it no longer charges fees for government-produced number plates and has ended the centralized manufacturing system. Vehicle owners are now allowed to purchase number plates from any private vendor, provided the plates strictly adhere to the prescribed Punjab design and specifications.
Under the new instructions, traffic officials are required to check only whether the number plate matches the approved Punjab format during roadside inspections. Motorists cannot be compelled to present government-manufactured plates, since centralized issuance has officially been discontinued.
Furthermore, authorities have directed that no fines should be imposed on citizens using privately made plates if they meet the required standards. The department emphasized strict compliance with these guidelines to prevent unnecessary inconvenience or harassment of the public and to ensure uniform enforcement of the updated policy across Punjab.
