The Sindh government has announced significant amendments to the Sindh Motor Vehicle Rules of 1969, introducing stricter regulations to improve road safety and minimize traffic accidents. The move is being seen as a step toward modernizing the transport sector while ensuring public safety on highways and within cities.

According to an official notification, the new rules cover a wide range of measures, including age limits for vehicles, mandatory fitness certifications, and the installation of advanced security systems. The amendments are set to take effect within one year, giving transporters and drivers time to comply.

Mandatory Fitness Certificates for Heavy Vehicles

Senior Sindh Minister and Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon emphasized that all heavy commercial vehicles will now be required to obtain fitness certificates from transport department centers.

In case of violations, heavy fines will be imposed, and all payments will be made exclusively through online deposits into the Sindh government’s account. This step is aimed at reducing corruption and ensuring transparency in the enforcement process.

Age Restrictions for Vehicles

The revised rules impose strict age restrictions on vehicles operating across different routes. Vehicles older than 20 years will not be granted permits for inter-provincial routes. Similarly, those above 25 years will be barred from inter-city routes, while vehicles operating within cities will face an age limit of 35 years.

These measures are expected to gradually phase out poorly maintained and outdated vehicles that contribute significantly to accidents. The government believes this step will help improve road safety and reduce breakdown-related traffic disruptions.

Implementation Timeline and Penalties

The amendments will come into full effect within one year, during which all vehicles must undergo a roadworthiness test. Initially, only petty fines will be imposed for non-compliance. However, stricter penalties will follow, with fines reaching up to Rs200,000 for a second violation and Rs300,000 for a third.

The minister stated that repeated violations will be taken seriously, with penalties designed to enforce compliance and discourage negligence among transporters and drivers.

Advanced Security Systems Made Compulsory

Another major aspect of the revised rules is the compulsory installation of modern security and monitoring systems in commercial vehicles. The requirements include:

• GPS tracking devices
• Front and rear high-definition cameras
• A driver monitoring camera
• A 360-degree camera system
• Under-run protection guards

Memon clarified that vehicles lacking these systems will not be registered, issued fitness certificates, or granted permits. If the systems are damaged or deliberately disabled, owners will face heavy fines, temporary impoundment, and possible permanent cancellation of registration if the issue is not corrected within 14 days.

Aim to Modernize Sindh’s Transport System

According to Sharjeel Inam Memon, the amendments are designed to safeguard lives, reduce accidents, and bring Sindh’s transport system up to modern standards. He noted that unfit heavy vehicles are a leading cause of accidents, and the new rules will help curb this problem.

The advanced technology will also assist in traffic law enforcement, ensure transparent investigations in case of accidents, and contribute to the development of a safer, more reliable transport sector. Traffic police, excise police, and transport authorities have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the rules without any concessions.