Chief Justice Lahore High Court Issues Key Remarks on Heavy Traffic Fines

LAHORE: Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Justice Aalia Neelum, issued significant remarks regarding heavy fines imposed for traffic violations during a hearing against recent amendments made to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance.

While hearing the petition filed by Advocate Asif Shakir, the Chief Justice questioned why petitioners sought to roll back a law instead of ensuring its implementation. She noted that according to police reports, **5,000 underage motorcyclists were injured or killed in accidents caused by one-way violations**, which justified the higher fines to deter violations. “Laws are made to improve society,” she added.

Justice Aalia Neelum stressed the importance of responsible behavior, saying that **underage children drive motorcycles at high speed and parents fail to act responsibly**. “Children’s feet don’t even reach the ground, yet they are handed motorcycles,” she remarked. She further said that both adults and minors in her own home had also received traffic tickets.

The petitioner had argued that police were lodging FIRs against underage riders, VIP protocol closures caused traffic blockages, and heavy fines were being imposed without adequate public awareness. The petitioner requested the court to annul the amendments introducing hefty penalties.

The Chief Justice emphasized that **ensuring children’s safety is essential**, adding that in Dubai, fines for traffic violations can reach up to 100,000 dirhams. She also noted the rise in hit-and-run incidents in neighborhoods.

During the hearing, the court was informed that the government had clarified that first-time violators would receive a warning fine, while legal action would be taken on subsequent violations.

Later, the petitioner’s lawyer sought to withdraw the petition, which the court accepted, disposing of the case.