Get comprehensive information about traffic laws in Pakistan and stay safe on the roads.
These are the fundamental traffic rules that every driver must follow for safe and orderly movement on the roads.
In Pakistan, vehicles must drive on the left side of the road. Always overtake from the right side except in special circumstances.
Drivers must obey all traffic signals. Red means stop, amber indicates prepare to stop, and green signifies proceed if it is safe to do so.
All drivers and front seat passengers must wear seatbelts while the vehicle is in motion. This is mandatory across Pakistan.
Using mobile phones while driving is prohibited. This includes holding the phone for calls or texting. Use hands-free devices if necessary.
Drivers must stop at pedestrian crossings when pedestrians are crossing. At railway crossings, stop when barriers are down or when signals indicate an approaching train.
Speed limits and lane discipline regulations ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents.
Within city limits and populated areas, the maximum speed limit is generally 60 km/h for cars and 45 km/h for heavy vehicles, unless otherwise indicated by road signs.
On highways and motorways, the maximum speed limit for cars is 120 km/h and 110 km/h for heavy vehicles. Minimum speed on highways is 60 km/h to maintain traffic flow.
In school zones, the speed limit is reduced to 30 km/h during school hours to ensure the safety of children. Watch for signs indicating school zones.
Drivers must stay in their designated lanes. The leftmost lane is for slower traffic, and the right lanes are for overtaking. Return to the left lane after overtaking.
Always overtake from the right side. Do not overtake at bends, hills, or where vision is restricted. Check your mirrors and signal before overtaking.
Right of way laws determine which vehicle or pedestrian has the legal right to proceed first in various traffic situations.
Pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks and intersections. Vehicles must yield to pedestrians who are crossing the road.
All vehicles must yield to emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles) when they are operating with sirens and flashing lights. Pull over to the left and stop to let them pass.
At intersections without traffic signals, the vehicle that arrives first has the right of way. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way. Approaching vehicles must yield to them. Always travel in a counterclockwise direction within a roundabout.
At T-intersections, vehicles on the through road have the right of way. Vehicles on the road that ends must yield to traffic on the through road.
Legal requirements for vehicle condition, documentation, and equipment that must be maintained for road safety and compliance.
All vehicles must be registered with the Excise and Taxation Department. The registration must be renewed as per the schedule determined by provincial authorities.
Commercial and public service vehicles require a fitness certificate, which must be renewed annually. This certifies that the vehicle meets safety and emission standards.
All vehicles must have functional headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise and during poor visibility conditions.
All vehicles must display standard number plates issued by the registration authority. Customized or non-standard number plates are illegal and subject to penalties.
Third-party insurance is mandatory for all vehicles in Pakistan. This covers damages to third parties in case of an accident for which the insured vehicle is responsible.
Penalties for traffic violations range from fines to license suspension or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
Exceeding speed limits can result in fines ranging from PKR 500 to PKR 2,000 depending on the excess speed and location. Repeated violations may lead to license suspension.
Driving without a valid license can result in a fine of PKR 1,000 to PKR 5,000 and possible vehicle impoundment. Providing false information to obtain a license is a criminal offense.
Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign can result in a fine of PKR 500 to PKR 1,500. This violation also adds demerit points to your license.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited and can result in fines up to PKR 10,000, imprisonment of up to 6 months, and license cancellation.
Using a mobile phone while driving can result in a fine of PKR 500 to PKR 1,000. If this leads to an accident, penalties are significantly higher.
Following the law is the key to safe driving
You can get the latest updates by visiting your local traffic police's official website, the National Highway Authority (NHA) website, or road safety websites. Many police authorities also share updates on social media about changes in traffic laws.
Yes, while basic traffic laws are consistent throughout Pakistan, some specific regulations, fine amounts, and enforcement methods may vary in different provinces. For example, traffic ticket prices might differ between Lahore and Karachi. Similarly, speed limits in urban areas might be set differently by provincial authorities.
If you want to contest a traffic ticket, you should file an appeal at the relevant traffic police office. In most cases, you will need to file the appeal within the time period mentioned on the ticket (usually 7 to 15 days). Bring with you: the original ticket, your driving license, vehicle registration, and any evidence supporting your appeal (such as photos or videos). If you are still not satisfied with the decision, you may appeal to the traffic court.
Yes, Pakistan is a party to the 1949 UN Convention on driving and recognizes International Driving Licenses. Tourists and temporary visitors can use a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license. However, if you intend to stay in Pakistan for more than 3 months, you should apply for a Pakistani driving license.
If your license is suspended, you should immediately stop driving. Continuing to drive is a serious offense that can result in imprisonment or heavy fines. Once the suspension period is complete, you should visit your local traffic police office with your suspension notice, CNIC, and other necessary documents. In some cases, you may need to take a written or practical test or complete a refresher course before your license is reinstated.
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