No Action Against Vehicle Owners Over Unavailable Official Number Plates, Says Punjab Excise Department

Islamabad: The Excise and Taxation Department Punjab has directed authorities not to take action against vehicle owners who have been unable to obtain official government-issued number plates due to supply issues.

According to an official notification issued in Lahore following public complaints, enforcement agencies have been instructed to show leniency where official number plates are currently unavailable. Citizens may display number plates prepared in accordance with the format prescribed by the Government of Punjab.

The department clarified that action will only be taken against vehicles displaying number plates in unapproved formats. Those who have installed plates matching the officially notified design should not face fines or legal cases.

Officials stated that the temporary suspension of official number plate fee collection has created difficulties for citizens. Therefore, authorities have been advised to avoid penalizing compliant vehicle owners during this period.

Sources further revealed that previous contracts for the production of number plates were cancelled due to delays, and despite payment of fees by millions of vehicle owners, a large number of plates have yet to be issued.