Punjab announces crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles

The Punjab Transport Authority has announced a crackdown on private vehicles emitting excessive smoke to combat smog and air pollution. Secretary of the Punjab Transport Authority, Hassan Ahsan, stated that legal action will be taken against violators without exception starting October 15, 2026.

To facilitate this transition, vehicle owners have been granted a grace period to improve their vehicles' fitness. The department plans to introduce special one-year validity stickers to help organize the monitoring of vehicle fitness and enforcement.

Authorities noted that the transport department is working in coordination with environmental protection agencies and other relevant departments. Officials reported an 18 percent increase in the issuance of fitness certificates for commercial vehicles, and the Excise Department records show that registered vehicles in Punjab have reached 24 million. Traffic police will assist in field operations to enforce these regulations.