The Sindh government has revised the Sindh Motor Vehicle Rules, 1969, introducing stricter regulations aimed at improving traffic safety and reducing accidents.
A new notification outlines specific age limits for vehicles, mandatory fitness checks, and the installation of advanced safety systems across commercial transport.
New Vehicle Age Limits by Route
According to Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, vehicle age restrictions will now vary based on the type of route:
- Inter-provincial travel: Vehicles must not be more than 20 years of age.
- Intercity routes: Vehicles older than 25 years are banned.
- Urban transport (within cities): A maximum age limit of 35 years has been set.
These changes are aimed at phasing out old vehicles that pose safety risks.
Fitness Certificates
All heavy commercial vehicles are now required to obtain fitness certificates from designated centers operated by the transport department.
Failure to comply will result in financial penalties, which must be paid via the Sindh government’s online portal. Penalties for non-compliance with fitness and roadworthiness standards include:
- First offense: Minor fine
- Second offense: Fine of Rs. 200,000
- Third offense: Fine of up to Rs. 300,000
Mandatory Safety and Tracking Systems
All commercial vehicles – both light and heavy – must now be equipped with modern safety features, such as:
- GPS tracking
- Front and rear cameras
- Driver-monitoring systems
- 360-degree camera coverage
- Under-run protection guards to safeguard smaller vehicles and motorcycles in case of collisions
Vehicles lacking these systems, or found with them intentionally disabled, will be seized temporarily.
Owners will be given 14 days to comply; failure to do so will result in permanent cancellation of the vehicle’s registration.
To allow time for compliance, the revised rules will be enforced after a one-year transition period.
