CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Directs Not to Arrest Underage Students For Traffic Violations
The Maryam Nawaz Sharif–led Punjab government has taken a compassionate turn on traffic enforcement. In a recent directive, underage students will no longer be arrested for traffic violations. Instead, the focus will shift to education, warnings, and issuing legal driving permits to 16-year-olds. This policy aims to balance road safety with the dignity and rights of young riders.
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Underage students (under 18) |
| New Policy | No arrests for traffic violations by underage riders |
| First Offence (Helmet) | Warning challan issued instead of punishment |
| Driving Licence Age | Allows 16-year-olds with smart cards |
| Monitoring Tools | Drone cameras + body cameras deployed |
| Enforcement Tone | Respectful — no handcuffing or harsh treatment |
| Awareness Drive | Traffic-rule awareness week for students |
| Goal | Promote road safety, protect children’s dignity |
Why This Change Matters
- Protection of minors’ rights: Under the new directive, children will not be punished harshly for minor traffic mistakes.
- Promotion of helmet use and safe driving habits: By replacing arrests with warnings and awareness, the government is encouraging safe habits rather than fear.
- Legal empowerment: Allowing 16-year-olds to obtain driving licences through smart cards gives legitimacy to young riders who may need two-wheelers for school or work.
- Respectful enforcement: Harsh punishments or humiliating measures like handcuffing are being replaced with dignity-focussed policing.
What the New Directive Entails
The meeting chaired by Maryam Nawaz Sharif laid out a multi-point plan:
- Authorities must stop arresting underage students for traffic-rule violations.
- First helmet offence will result in a warning challan only.
- Launch of smart-card and driving licence issuance for 16-year-olds.
- Deployment of drone cameras and body cams to monitor traffic instead of manual, punitive checks.
- A planned “awareness week” across Punjab to educate students and parents on traffic laws and road safety.
- Police instructed to treat all citizens with respect no misuse of power, especially against minors.
These details come from the official Punjab government statement and compiled information from top sources covered widely during and after the meeting. You can also check the official portal for more updates: Punjab Government – official website.
How Students and Parents Can Benefit Immediately
- Less fear of legal trouble for minor mistakes.
- Convenient access to legal licences for young riders.
- Increased enforcement fairness and transparency using surveillance tools.
- Encouragement to form safer habits from a young age.
This shift puts emphasis on education over punishment, ensuring that under-18 riders are guided not criminalized.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Smart Card or Licence at Age 16
- Visit local traffic police office or licensing center.
- Submit a formal application for a learner licence for a 16-year-old.
- Provide proof of age (birth certificate, school ID, etc.).
- Undergo basic traffic rules orientation (as required by the authorities).
- Get your smart card issued.
- Once smart card is in hand, you may legally ride a motorcycle under supervision.
This process makes licensing more accessible for young riders a major win under the new directive.
What This Means for Road Safety Awareness
- Safety becomes a shared responsibility government, parents, and students together.
- The upcoming awareness week will help younger riders understand the importance of helmets and traffic laws.
- The use of drone and body-cam monitoring ensures fairness and reduces the chance of arbitrary punishments.
- With dignity and education at the core, the government hopes to foster a culture of respectful compliance rather than fear-driven obedience.
Helpline & Contact Info
For more details or to report any misconduct by traffic police:
- Punjab Traffic Police Helpline: 110
- Email: contact@punjabtrafficpolice.gov.pk
- Official Punjab Government Portal: https://autism.punjab.gov.pk
Please use these contacts for queries, licence applications, or to lodge complaints regarding unjust treatment.
Conclusion
The directive from Maryam Nawaz Sharif represents a significant shift in traffic enforcement — one that balances safety, responsibility, and empathy. By opting for warnings, legal licensing for minors, and widespread awareness drives, the government is signaling that road safety must go hand in hand with human dignity. This new approach could become a model for other provinces aiming to protect young riders while keeping traffic flowing smoothly.
FAQ
What age is now allowed to get a motorcycle licence in Punjab?
Under the new policy, 16-year-olds can obtain a driving licence or smart card after completing the required application process.
Will underage riders be punished if they violate traffic rules again?
For the first offence, like not wearing a helmet, they will receive a warning challan instead of arrest or heavy fines.
What enforcement tools are being used to monitor traffic?
The traffic police will use drone cameras and body cameras to observe violations more objectively, reducing arbitrary enforcement.
Where can I get help or report misconduct by traffic police?
You can call 110, or email at contact@punjabtrafficpolice.gov.pk. The official Punjab Government portal also provides support and updates.
Related Posts
