During the launch of the e-challan, a viral seatbelt T-shirt ignites a social media fad.

Following the introduction of the new e-challan system in major cities, a T-shirt featuring a black seatbelt pattern recently went popular in Pakistan.

The seatbelt T-shirt gives the impression that the wearer is securely fastened. People are posting pictures and videos of themselves wearing it on social media, describing it as a “creative” method of avoiding traffic penalties.

Shortly after traffic cops in Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad started using surveillance cameras to enforce e-challans, the trend took off. Violations including using a cell phone while driving, running red lights, and not wearing a seatbelt are all detected by the automatic system. Fines are imposed on offenders and are mailed straight to the car owner’s registered address.

Numerous e-challans were recently issued by Karachi traffic police for breaking seatbelt legislation and other traffic regulations, including to government vehicles. Many drivers are looking at “desi totkas” in an attempt to dodge fines due to the abrupt adoption of the e-challan system and the severe penalties associated with traffic infractions.

With people on TikTok, Instagram, and X creatively exhibiting the clothing, the viral T-shirt has come to represent this trend. Authorities have cautioned that only appropriate adherence to traffic laws, including properly wearing a seatbelt, can avert fines, despite the fact that some people find it amusing.