Lahore Traffic Police Warns Unpaid E-Challans Will Double After 10 Days, Court Action to Follow

Lahore Traffic Police have launched legal proceedings against motorists who ignore their digital traffic challans, warning that fines can double if left unpaid beyond the 10-day window set under the existing Punjab Traffic Police challan procedure. Drivers who continue to disregard payment notices may also receive court summons, officials said.

Under the current system, motorists are required to clear camera-based fines within 10 days. After that deadline, the penalty amount can be doubled, and cases involving confiscated documents are referred to the relevant court for further action. Traffic wardens have been stationed at courts across the city to help judicial officials recover outstanding fines.

According to media reports citing officials, the combined number of pending digital challans and confiscated documents in Lahore has approached 800,000. Authorities have urged drivers to settle their dues before their cases proceed to court, noting that the judicial process is more time-consuming and costly than paying on time.

Officials said some motorists have avoided collecting their seized driving licences and identity documents because of the higher penalties attached to them. Others have allegedly obtained duplicate documents instead of clearing their fines, but authorities stressed that replacement documents do not cancel an outstanding challan or the legal proceedings linked to it.

The latest enforcement push follows an earlier crackdown on vehicles with unpaid e-challans, including repeat offenders with hundreds of outstanding violations. Motorists can review their camera-based traffic fines through the Punjab Safe Cities Authority's official e-challan portal. If documents have already been sent to court, drivers must follow the prescribed judicial process to pay the fine and recover them.

The move is part of a broader effort by Lahore authorities to improve traffic compliance and recover a growing backlog of unpaid penalties. Drivers are advised to check their challan status online and clear any outstanding amounts promptly to avoid escalated fines and court involvement.