Driving Licenses, CNICs Blocked for Unpaid Fines

The Punjab government has introduced a strict new enforcement policy: driving licences will be cancelled and CNICs blocked for motorists who fail to clear outstanding e‑challan traffic fines. This move aims to improve road discipline, recover billions in unpaid fines, and streamline the enforcement process under updated regulations.

• Authority: Punjab Traffic Police & Safe City Authority

• Unpaid Fines: Estimated up to Rs 6 billion in challans province‑wide

• Action Mechanism:

• Traffic default triggers CNIC blacklisting

• Driving licence suspended or cancelled

• Vehicle registration and transfer are blocked until dues are cleared 

• Legal Basis: Amended Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1965 empowers courts to cancel licences and allow auctions of vehicles over unpaid fines

• E-Challan Issuance

• Cameras (ANPR) detect traffic violations: speeding, signal jumps, no helmet, etc. 

• Offenders receive SMS with PSID and the fine amount.

• Unpaid Fine Protocol

• Payment deadline: 30 working days.

• Accrued 10% monthly interest for non-payment.

• The default triggers a licence suspension and CNIC block. 

• Enforcement Actions

• Traffic police can seize vehicles of repeat offenders.

• Authorities can auction vehicles whose fines exceed the vehicle’s value.

• Service Denial

• CNIC blacklisting blocks:

• Licence renewals

• Duplicate licences

• Vehicle transfer/registration

• Service resumes only after full payment

• Huge backlog: Over Rs 6 billion in unpaid e‑challans suggests persistent evasion. 

• Road safety concern: The Authority is determined to reduce traffic violations and accidents.

• Revenue generation: The Government now treats penalties as revenue, not just deterrents.

• Policy momentum: Aligns with recent surge in traffic fines and enforcement reforms.

Lahore crackdown: Over 1,000 violators, including 300 motorbikes, marked and impounded this week. One rider had 313 unpaid fines, totaling Rs 94,000 

Repeat violators: Islamabad suspended 1,456 licences this year for serious cumulative infractions.

• Supporters:

• Applaud stronger road discipline and improved traffic safety.

• Welcome, automated systems for transparency.

• Critics:

• Say CNIC blocking is heavy-handed; it may deny access to essential services.

• Complaints of technological glitches; online payment often fails 

• Express concerns about disproportionate fines and bureaucratic burden.

Punjab's new policy—cancel driving licences and block CNICs for unpaid traffic fines—is part of an aggressive push to enforce road laws, recover huge public dues, and improve safety. Automated e-challan systems and linked databases make enforcement possible. But glitches and public backlash highlight the need for better tech, fairer penalties, and safeguards. This reform is a big step forward—but its success depends on transparency, efficiency, and balance.