LAHORE, December 11, 2025 – Punjab Police have moved to introduce a legal pathway for teenagers aged 16–18 to ride motorcycles by proposing a new Juvenile Driving Permit (JDP), a step that could bring an estimated seven million young riders under a regulated system.
Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar has sent two summaries through the Home Department to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, seeking amendments to the Provincial Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 and Motor Vehicle Rules 1969.
16 سال کے بچوں کو سمارٹ کارڈ اور موٹرسائیکل ڈرائیونگ لائسنس کے اجراء کا اصولی فیصلہ۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/3ikabzYjb8
— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) December 3, 2025
Key Highlights
- New Juvenile Driving Permit proposed for motorcyclists aged 16–18
- Estimated seven million teens currently ride without legal cover
- Move follows backlash over handcuffed school-uniformed students being produced in courts
- Second proposal: Make seat belts mandatory on all public roads, not just “notified” ones
- Global models from India, Malaysia, New Zealand, EU states, and the US cited as precedent
- Aim: Replace criminal charges with structured, monitored youth mobility and improved road safety
From Crackdown to Legal Framework
The initiative comes after widespread criticism of recent operations that saw underage students — many in school uniforms — arrested and presented in handcuffs, with police records potentially affecting their future.
Police officials argue the current law creates a vacuum: no one under 18 can legally ride, yet thousands do, leading to enforcement difficulties and safety risks.
Learning from the World
Lahore Chief Traffic Officer Athar Waheed, who drafted the summaries, highlighted that many countries already permit restricted or learner motorcycle licences for 16–17-year-olds under supervision. The proposed JDP would establish clear conditions, training requirements, and monitoring — turning an unregulated reality into a controlled, safer system.
Seat Belt Rule to Cover Every Road
In the same package, police have asked to remove the phrase “on notified roads” from Section 89-B, making seat belt use compulsory across Punjab, eliminating loopholes, and ensuring uniform protection.
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Authorities say the twin proposals reflect a shift from punitive action to practical regulation, supporting both road safety and the everyday mobility needs of Punjab’s youth. Final approval now rests with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
