Driving License Saga incepted in Punjab after a horrible accident by a teenager driver engulfed six people from same family. Since then, we reported a series of news narrating each update from fine or FIR for motorists with no license to increase in license fee and relaxation in driving license fee till 9 Jan.
In our efforts to keep you well-informed about the latest developments, we have chosen to consolidate all the necessary updates into a single blog for your convenience.
FIR OR Not?
Following the crackdown against drivers without license, Police started registering FIRs. But right after the confusion started erupting, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Mustansar Feroze announced that a case will not be registered against citizens holding valid learner, expired or people holding driving licenses from other countries. Meaning, you may face a fine not FIR if you have any of the above types of permits.
Meanwhile Punjab caretaker CM Naqvi announced a three-day exemption from fines for individuals holding license tokens.
Granted 74,000 Licenses in a Day
The provincial traffic police reported the issuance of an impressive 74,000 driving licenses, signaling a significant impact of the crackdown.
Meanwhile, the bustling provincial capital took the lead, with a staggering 24,000 licenses issued, highlighted a substantial increase in adherence to licensing requirements.
Licenses Available at Police Stations
With an aim to make the process of obtaining learner’s license easier and simpler, the Lahore Traffic Police introduced a transformative initiative, effected from December 6, 2023.
Learner’s licenses are now conveniently available at the front desks of police stations across Lahore, marking a significant departure from the previous cumbersome procedures.
License Fee Increased by 1566%
In a surprising move, the provincial government approved a substantial hike in driving license fees for both cars and motorcycles, soaring from Rs. 60 to whooping Rs. 1000.
The controversial decision ignited a storm of criticism on social media platforms. Many citizens express their dissatisfaction, arguing that the timing of the increase seems incongruous, given that more motorists are complying with traffic regulations.
A Relief in Driving License Fee
Adding fuel to the fire, the traffic police clarified that citizens had until December 31 to obtain their licenses at the existing rate. Suffice it to say, starting January 1, 2024, motorists were obligated to pay the escalated fee of Rs. 1000.
But in the welcoming move, the residents of Punjab got the perfect update on the initial day of 2024. The caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, delivered a significant relief by postponing the implementation of the proposed increase in driving license fees to Jan 9, 2024.
Annual Fee Surged for Driving License
The Punjab government increased annual fees for the learners, renewal, and new driving licenses from January 1, 2024.
According to the Lahore City Traffic Police’s Twitter handle, the fee will be received on an annual basis instead of five years earlier.
Here are the revised annual fees for different categories:
Renew Driving License Online
According to a tweet by Lahore City Traffic Police, people can renew their licenses through the online system. “The candidates can renew their licenses for one, three, five, and ten years,” the tweet read.
Meanwhile, an international driving license will remain valid for three years. The police further said that a new digital system, NET, has replaced the 20-year-old Oracle system. “The masses can download their local and international e-licenses easily,” the announcement said, adding that these candidates would no longer have to take physical driving tests.
What do you think about this series of initiative taken by provincial government? Tell us in the comments section.
