Transporters warned of impounding vehicles if found violating traffic rules

KARACHI: Sindh Transport Department has warned the transporters of impounding of their vehicles found violating the traffic rules and cases will be registered against them, no leniency but strict compliance of the rules and the conditions of route permits will be ensured.

In a statement on Thursday, Sindh Senior Minister and Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, said that all vehicles will be bound to maintain the prescribed speed limits. That, overloading, wrong overtaking, overspeeding, reckless driving and one-way violations must be avoided.

He said that strict enforcement of the prescribed axle load limits under the National Highway Safety Ordinance 2000 will be implemented. The use of CNG, LPG, or LNG will be banned in inter-district transport and in the vehicles used for educational institutions.

The availability and proper functioning of emergency exits, first aid boxes, and fire extinguishers will be mandatory in all public service vehicles.

Memon said that vehicles will be allowed to operate only with valid documents, including registration, fitness certificates, and route permits, and only on approved routes.

The use of bypasses and link roads, including the Indus Highway (N-55) and Mehran Highway, will be prohibited for heavy vehicles. All drivers must possess a valid HTV driving license.

He said that journeys exceeding 322 kilometers will require the presence of two qualified HTV-licensed drivers.He noted that several transport operators are running public service and freight vehicles without route permits or fitness certificates, or with expired documents, which is a clear violation of the Motor Vehicle Rules and route permit conditions.

The Minister directed all transporters and operators to obtain or renew route permits for their vehicles by February 28, 2026. After the deadline, a campaign will be launched in coordination with the Secretary of PTA, RTAs, Traffic Police, and District Administration.

In cases of non-compliance, vehicles will be seized, FIRs will be registered against the operators, and vehicle registrations will be suspended by the Excise Department.

That, overdue route permits will be cancelled and reallocated to other eligible transporters after the payment of government dues and completion of required clearances.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026