The Punjab government permits 16-year-olds to obtain smart cards and motorcycle licenses.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has made a significant move to offer smart cards and motorcycle driving licenses to individuals aged 16. She has mandated that youngsters are exempt from arrest for traffic infractions.

The Chief Minister vehemently condemned the practice of handcuffing minors for violating traffic regulations. According to the new policy, initial infractions such as failing to wear a helmet would incur a warning instead of a monetary penalty.

Traffic police around Punjab will initiate awareness programs for the public, particularly targeting students, utilising drones and body cameras for the first time to oversee traffic.
Chief Justice Alia Neelum of the Lahore High Court has intervened to halt the arrests of young drivers, advocating for awareness programs and warnings before to any legal proceedings.

She stated that recurrent infractions should be addressed in accordance with the law.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasised that parents must assume a pivotal role in educating children about road safety. “We aim to avoid penalising innocent children; however, adherence to the law is paramount.” She stated, “It is the responsibility of parents to cultivate the practice of wearing helmets and adhering to traffic regulations.”

She additionally directed the traffic police to treat residents with dignity, refraining from wrongdoing or discourteous behaviour while upholding the law.

The initiative is perceived as an effort to achieve equilibrium between road safety and safeguarding youngsters from unwarranted harassment, promoting appropriate behaviours from an early age.