Punjab Launches Evidence-Based Traffic Challan System With Photos and Videos July 2026
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the province’s “One App” evidence-based traffic challan system, the first of its kind in Pakistan. Every challan will now be backed by photograph and video evidence of the violation, with motorists receiving SMS alerts on 8070 containing links to the visual proof.
Punjab’s Traffic Police has officially launched the “One App” evidence-based traffic challan system across the province, on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Under the new system, every traffic ticket issued in Punjab will be backed by verifiable photograph and video evidence of the violation. Motorists who violate traffic rules will receive an SMS alert from short-code 8070, containing a link where they can view the photographic and video evidence related to their violation. The system is designed to make traffic enforcement transparent, accountable, and non-discretionary.
How the One App evidence-based challan system works
The new system operates as follows:
Traffic Police personnel or ANPR (automatic number-plate recognition) cameras capture the violation — photograph and video evidence of the moment of the offence.
The photograph and video footage are uploaded to the centralised database with timestamps, location, vehicle number, and offence code. Evidence is preserved and verifiable.
The vehicle owner receives an SMS on 8070 with a link to view the violation evidence. The message includes vehicle number, offence details, fine amount, and payment deadline.
The SMS / challan document includes a QR code that the citizen can scan to independently review the video evidence related to their challan.
All challans across Punjab are now issued through the Traffic Police One App. Citizens can view the evidence, pay the fine, and dispute (if applicable) through the same app.
If the fine is not paid within the deadline, digital action can be initiated — including escalation to FIR, vehicle fitness certificate suspension, and licence-related action.
What the One App does beyond e-challans
The One App is positioned as a comprehensive traffic and vehicle-management platform. Key capabilities:
| Capability | Function | Who uses it |
|---|---|---|
| Identity verification | On-the-spot check of CNIC and driving licence | Traffic police |
| Vehicle records | Ownership, fitness certificate, route permits | Traffic police |
| Stolen vehicle check | Real-time check against stolen vehicle database | Traffic police, citizens |
| Encroachment action | Digital action against encroachments and environmental violations | Traffic + district admin |
| FIR status / criminal records | Access to FIR status and previous criminal records | Traffic police |
| Point-based penalty (Phase 2) | Points accumulated on licence for repeat violations | Traffic police, citizens |
| Citizens’ portal | View challan history, pay fines, dispute, request hearings | Citizens |
The point-based penalty system (Phase 2) is particularly significant — under this, repeat offenders can accumulate points on their licence that may eventually lead to suspension. This shifts the regime from one-off fines to cumulative accountability.
What traffic violations are covered
From launch, the system covers the major traffic offences. Phase 1 covers the most common violations; Phase 2 will expand coverage:
| Violation type | Phase | How it’s recorded |
|---|---|---|
| Signal / red light jumping | Phase 1 | ANPR + cameras at intersections |
| Speed violations | Phase 1 | Speed guns + cameras |
| Wrong-side driving / one-way violations | Phase 1 | Cameras + manual recording |
| Mobile phone use while driving | Phase 1 | Manual recording |
| No seatbelt / no helmet | Phase 1 | Cameras + manual recording |
| Lane violations | Phase 2 | Cameras |
| Illegal parking | Phase 2 | Cameras + manual |
| Document violations (no licence/insurance/fitness) | Phase 1 | Manual + database check |
| Drink driving | Phase 1 | Manual + breathalyser |
ANPR (automatic number-plate recognition) cameras are the key technology enabler — they automatically identify vehicles and link them to registered owners, eliminating the manual lookup step.
Why this matters: the structural shift
The new system represents a structural shift in Pakistan’s traffic enforcement model. Comparison:
| Aspect | Old system | New One App system |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence | Warden’s word vs driver’s word | Photograph + video, preserved and verifiable |
| Dispute process | Often requires court visit | In-app dispute with evidence review |
| Discretion / bribery | Common | Eliminated — system auto-issues based on violation |
| Coverage | Major intersections / corridors | City-wide, expanding to all of Punjab |
| Enforcement timing | During warden shifts | 24/7 with cameras |
| Record-keeping | Manual / paper-based | Centralised digital database |
| Accountability | Low (warden discretion) | High (digital audit trail) |
DIG Traffic Punjab Muhammad Waqas Nazir said the new system will help reduce unnecessary disputes between motorists and traffic police, save time for both sides, and ensure transparent, non-discriminatory enforcement based on digital evidence rather than discretion.
What the SMS alert looks like
Motorists who violate traffic rules will receive an SMS alert from short code 8070 with the following details:
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Sender | Punjab Traffic Police (8070) |
| Vehicle number | ABC-123 |
| Violation | Signal jumping at Ferozpur Road |
| Date / time | 3 July 2026, 14:23 |
| Evidence link | https://traffic.punjab.gov.pk/evidence/… |
| Fine amount | Rs 2,000 |
| Payment deadline | Within 30 days |
Clicking the evidence link opens the violation record with the photograph and video, plus the QR code for independent verification. This level of transparency is unprecedented in Pakistan’s traffic enforcement.
What happens if you don’t pay
The escalation path for unpaid fines:
- SMS alert at day 0: Initial notification with evidence link and 30-day deadline
- Reminder at day 15: SMS + app notification of pending fine
- Final notice at day 30: Final SMS + app notification; late fee may apply
- Digital action at day 31+: Vehicle fitness certificate may be flagged, licence renewal may be blocked, and in extreme cases FIR may be registered
- Court referral (Phase 2): Persistent non-payment can lead to court summons under the new point-based system
The exact escalation framework varies by offence type. Most fines are designed to be manageable to pay within 30 days; the system is designed to recover revenue and deter repeat offending, not to punish one-time mistakes harshly.
What about out-of-Punjab vehicles
The system covers all vehicles operating in Punjab, regardless of registration province. ANPR cameras read the number plate and link to the registered owner through the centralised Excise and Taxation database. If you drive through Punjab with an Islamabad, Sindh, KPK, or Balochistan-registered vehicle and commit a violation, you will receive the same SMS alert.
For foreign vehicles, the rules are similar but enforcement depends on diplomatic protocols.
What this means for road safety
Traffic accidents are a major cause of death and injury in Pakistan. The Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) responds to thousands of traffic accidents annually. The evidence-based challan system is designed to address the leading behavioural causes:
| Behaviour | Contribution to accidents | How new system addresses |
|---|---|---|
| Signal jumping | ~25% of urban accidents | Camera enforcement at all major intersections |
| Speed violations | ~30% of fatal accidents | Speed cameras and zone-based enforcement |
| Wrong-side driving | ~15% of accidents | Camera + manual enforcement |
| Mobile use while driving | ~10% of distracted-driving accidents | Manual enforcement + awareness |
| No helmet / no seatbelt | ~20% of fatal injuries | Camera + manual enforcement |
The system is expected to reduce traffic accidents by 15-25% over 12-18 months through deterrence and behavioural change.
What other provinces are doing
Punjab is the first province to launch a province-wide evidence-based system. Other provinces have plans:
| Province | Status | System |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab | ✅ Launched July 3, 2026 | One App — full evidence-based system |
| Sindh | Partial (Karachi safe city cameras) | Camera-based enforcement in parts of Karachi |
| KPK | Planning | Replicating Punjab model; expected 2027 |
| Balochistan | Planning | Limited camera coverage; manual enforcement dominant |
| Islamabad (ICT) | Partial (Safe City project) | Camera-based enforcement at major intersections |
Punjab’s launch sets the template for other provinces and the federal capital. The federal government has indicated interest in a nationwide unified system by 2028.
What drivers should do now
Practical steps for every Punjab driver:
- Download the One App: Available on iOS and Android; required for in-app dispute and payment
- Verify your phone number is current with Excise: The SMS alerts go to the number on file; if you’ve changed numbers, update your vehicle registration
- Check your driving licence is valid: The system checks licences in real time; expired or invalid licences will trigger additional action
- Maintain valid vehicle fitness: Fitness certificate status is checked on every stop; ensure yours is up to date
- Ensure insurance is current: Third-party insurance is mandatory; lapses can compound fines
- Keep CNIC accessible: The One App verifies CNIC on-the-spot
## Frequently asked questions
Related coverage on Life in Pakistan
For CNIC and driving-licence documentation context, our CNIC status online guide walks through verification. For NADRA-related documentation that backs licence issuance, our NADRA lifecycle registration guide covers the wider ecosystem. For Super App context as Punjab continues its digital transformation, our Pakistan Super App coverage explains the federal-level equivalent. For other Punjab provincial digital initiatives, our Punjab CM Solar Panel Scheme coverage is a comparable provincial scheme.
Sources: Punjab Traffic Police official statement (July 3, 2026), Punjab Chief Minister’s Office, DIG Traffic Punjab Muhammad Waqas Nazir briefing, Traffic Police One App launch coverage, Express News, ARY News, Geo News, Dawn, The News International, ProPakistani, Dunya News, Tribune, Pakistan Today. System details current as of July 4, 2026; specific fine amounts, escalation timelines, and dispute procedures may vary by offence type and are detailed in the One App.
