Following Karachi, the Punjab government has approved a sharp increase in traffic fines across Lahore, triggering strong public backlash over what many describe as “unbearable penalties” amid high inflation.

Under the revised proposal, fines for common traffic violations, previously ranging from Rs200 to Rs750, have now jumped to between Rs2,000 and Rs20,000 depending on the vehicle type and offence.

According to details, motorcyclists will face fines of Rs2,000 for overspeeding, while rickshaws will be fined Rs3,000, cars and jeeps Rs5,000, and buses or heavy vehicles up to Rs15,000-20,000. For signal violations, fines will range from Rs2,000 for motorcycles to Rs15,000 for larger vehicles.

Overloading will cost rickshaw drivers Rs3,000, cars and jeeps Rs5,000, luxury vehicles Rs10,000, and heavy transport vehicles up to Rs15,000.

Driving without lights will result in similar fines, while wrong-way driving will incur penalties from Rs2,000 for motorcycles to Rs15,000 for buses and trucks.

For driving without a licence, fines will again range between Rs2,000 and Rs15,000 depending on the vehicle category.

The same structure applies to the use of pressure or musical horns, with luxury cars facing Rs5,000 and heavy vehicles Rs10,000 in penalties.

Residents have reacted angrily to the new fines, calling them excessive and impractical.

“We can’t even afford Rs2,000, how will we pay Rs20,000?” one motorcyclist complained.

“The government should focus on reducing the cost of essentials instead of burdening people with heavy challans,” another citizen said.

Officials say the move aims to improve road discipline and reduce accidents, but citizens argue the sudden surge in fines will hit low-income commuters the hardest.