KARACHI: The Sindh government has imposed age limits on heavy vehicles operating across the province including in Karachi.
According to a notification amending the Sindh Motor Vehicle Rules, 1969, the age limit for heavy vehicles operating within cities has been set at 35 years, for intercity routes at 25 years, and for interprovincial routes at 20 years. Vehicles older than these limits will not be granted permits.
Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the amendments make it mandatory for heavy commercial vehicle owners to comply with the new requirements, including obtaining fitness certificates, adhering to the prescribed age limits, and installing modern safety systems.
“All fitness certificates will be issued only at centres set up by the transport department, and violators will face heavy fines payable directly to the Sindh government’s online account,” he said.
He said that violations will be penalised in stages, with minor fines at first, followed by Rs200,000 for a second offence and up to Rs300,000 for a third offence. Within a year, roadworthiness tests will become compulsory for all heavy vehicles, he said.
The new rules also mandate that all commercial vehicles, both heavy and light, must be equipped with GPS tracking devices, high-definition front and rear cameras, a driver monitoring camera, and a 360-degree camera system. Under-run protection guards will also be mandatory to prevent smaller vehicles and motorcycles from being crushed in accidents.
Memon said that these systems would be fully functional; without verification, vehicles will not be registered, fitness certificates will not be issued, and permits or ownership transfers will not be allowed.
“Any attempt to disable the systems will result in heavy fines, temporary suspension, and permanent deregistration if not rectified within 14 days,” he said.
He said the amendments are aimed at protecting lives and property, reducing accidents, and making the traffic system more transparent through modern technology.
He said that outdated and unfit heavy vehicles are a major cause of road accidents across Sindh, including Karachi, and would no longer be allowed on the roads without fitness certification and safety equipment.
Memon said the installation of modern tracking and camera systems will not only ensure better enforcement of traffic laws but also aid in investigating accidents.
He added that traffic police, excise police, and transport authorities have been directed to ensure strict implementation without any leniency.