The Punjab government has mandated vehicle emission testing in Lahore and major cities, offering free service until 30 June 2025. This initiative aims to combat rising air pollution by ensuring vehicles comply with National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS). Multiple permanent booths and mobile units have been deployed to accommodate the volume .
Testing Facilities and Operations
Over 20 permanent testing locations operate in Lahore, spread across key areas like Mall Road, DHA, Gulberg, Johar Town, Wapda Town, and Bahria Town. Sessions run from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM, six days a week.
Mobile units are also dispatched to high-traffic zones, enhancing accessibility for all vehicle owners .
Free Testing Period Ending 30 June
Testing remains free of charge until 30 June 2025. This grace period addresses public demand and environmental urgency, allowing high traffic volumes to be managed despite summer heat and long queues .
Even with this free service, citizens have faced delays, with some reporting hours-long waits .
Penalty Structure After Deadline
Once the free period ends, penalties will be stringent. According to recent updates, vehicle owners without a valid green compliance sticker may face fines between PKR 10,000 and PKR 20,000 .
Earlier it was reported fines would be PKR 2,000 for the first offence and PKR 5,000 for repeat offences, but newer guidelines reflect a steeper penalty scale .
Required Certification and Enforcement
Vehicles passing the emissions test will receive an official green sticker indicating compliance. Those failing must undergo repairs—often involving tuning or catalytic converter maintenance—and return for a free retest within seven days .
After 30 June, enforcement strategies may include restrictions: vehicles without certification could be banned from motorways or face vehicle impoundment .
Testing Process and Time Requirements
Each test takes approximately five minutes. Testing centres in Lahore have three-string squads, although some operate with fewer teams, contributing to slow throughput and extended queues
Machines require about two minutes between tests to recalibrate .
Citizens have urged authorities to increase staffing and deploy additional booths to reduce waiting times, especially during peak hours .
Scope of Vehicles and Environmental Goals
The initiative applies to all private passenger vehicles, motorbikes, rickshaws, and commercial vehicles older than three years. Newer models under three years old are temporarily exempt royalmotorsrentacar.com+1fox61.com+1. Authorities plan to eventually expand coverage nationwide, targeting even motorways and ring roads .
Given that vehicle emissions contribute over 80 percent of Lahore’s air pollution, this program is compact yet integral to broader environmental health efforts.
Costs Compared to International Standards
While Lahore’s system is still developing, other models like Maryland’s VEIP charge between USD 14–30 (roughly PKR 4,000–8,500) per test starting July 2025 . In Colorado, emissions testing is integrated into biennial vehicle inspections, reflecting a more mature framework
Lahore’s steep penalties, though punitive, seek to jump-start compliance in a rapidly urbanizing city.
Preparation Tips for Vehicle Owners
To increase odds of passing the test, owners should:
- Perform routine engine tuning and change oil regularly
- Ensure catalytic converters are functional
- Maintain correct tyre pressure
- Warm up the engine before testing
- Use high-quality fuel in the days leading up to testing
Owners whose vehicles fail can address minor issues quickly before returning for a retest, minimizing costs and downtime.
Looking Ahead
With June 30 fast approaching, compliance is crucial. After the deadline, vehicle owners will face high fines, restricted access, and potentially impoundment if they lack the mandatory green sticker. An efficient expansion of testing infrastructure and enforcement, combined with public awareness, will determine the program’s long-term success in reducing urban pollution.
