In a bid to reduce instances of vehicle-related fraud, the Government of Punjab has reportedly announced a new vehicle registration system. According to reports, under the new system, owners of vehicles will be issued number plates instead of the number plate being issued to a particular car.

Officials from the Excise and Taxation Department have indicated that all vehicles, including motorcycles, registered in Punjab will be associated with the owner’s ID Card. This means that buyers of vehicles can either request for the issuance of a fresh plate or can choose a number plate for their new vehicle from any number plates that are available and are issued in their name.

If an individual chooses to sell their car, the number plate will not be transferred to the new owner, remaining with the original owner instead. As per reports, vehicle owners will have the ability to give up their old number plate in exchange for a new one when purchasing a new vehicle. 

It merits a mention that this new registration system will go into effect from the first week of August 2025. Reports suggest that officials from the Excise Department expect these developments to streamline the registration process and improve enforcement efforts. 
Authorities have also revealed that number plates will now fit into categories, with motorbikes and cars fitting into different automobile types. This means that a number plate issued to a car cannot be used on a bike and vice versa.

Reports reveal that individuals found to be using a plate on their vehicle not fitting their vehicle type will result with fines being issued to offenders. As per the details, this fine will likely boost compliance with the new regulations as it will range from Rs500 to Rs8,000.

Moreover, it merits a mention that the aforementioned fine can also be levied upon individuals using a previously issued number plate on a different vehicle. Reports cite officials who confirm that the procedural rules and the summary of legal amendments have already been submitted to the government for approval.

With the implementation of the new number plate system expected to begin in August it is likely that a surge in the provincial government’s revenues will be noted. This is because compliance with the new law is expected to result in the issuance of fines to vehicles using number plates that are of a different category.