Four-seater rickshaws banned across Sindh

The Sindh government has given approval to a series of new transport-related regulations, including a complete ban on four-seater rickshaws and the sale both online and over the counter of tinted windows, police lights, and sirens.

The decisions were made during a meeting chaired by Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, where proposed changes to the Motor Vehicles Rules were discussed. The meeting also endorsed the outsourcing of vehicle fitness inspections.

It was attended by the Sindh Inspector General of Police, secretaries of law, transport and mass transit, excise and taxation, along with the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of traffic.

A key decision was to make vehicle fitness certification mandatory for both commercial and non-commercial vehicles. A draft of the proposed amendments is to be prepared and submitted to the provincial government for final approval.

Participants formally endorsed the prohibition of four-seater rickshaws and agreed to enforce mandatory installation of trackers and sensors in water tankers and dump trucks. Minister Lanjar announced that third-party organizations would be contracted to issue vehicle fitness certificates, with formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to be signed for the purpose.

The meeting also approved a range of penalties for traffic violations. These include a fine of Rs200,000 for government vehicles driving against traffic, Rs25,000 for motorcyclists going the wrong way, and Rs100,000 for four-wheelers violating one-way routes.

Motorcyclists found riding without a valid license will be fined Rs25,000, while car drivers face a Rs50,000 penalty for the same offense. First-time offenders involved in stunts such as one-wheeling or drifting will face a Rs100,000 fine, which will increase to Rs200,000 for a second offense and Rs300,000 for subsequent violations.

In another development, the minister approved the mandatory installation of at least five surveillance cameras in heavy and cargo vehicles. E-challans will now be delivered to the registered residential addresses of violators, and vehicles with unpaid fines will not be allowed to be sold or transferred.

Minister Lanjar further announced that the traffic, transport, and excise databases will be interconnected and digitized. A dedicated Traffic Magistrate will also be appointed to adjudicate traffic offenses.