Punjab driving license fee hike gets challenged in LHC

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has heard a challenge to Punjab’s decision to raise the cost of a driving license.

A significant rise in the cost of a driving license was approved by the caretaker cabinet of Punjab.

Citizens, including those in Lahore and Rawalpindi, will now be required to pay an annual charge for the Light Transport Vehicle (LTV) license in accordance with the revised fee schedule.

The breakdown includes a test fee of Rs. 150, an extra Rs. 1,850 after passing the driving test, and other charges totaling Rs. 480. With this update, the total cost of acquiring a one-year LTV license is now Rs 2,480.

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The government also voted to increase the cost of licenses for light transport vehicles (LTVs), heavy transport vehicles (HTVs), and public service vehicles (PSVs). US, Canadian, and international nationals will be able to apply online and will be required to pay a $100 license fee.

A legal challenge has been launched against the caretaker cabinet’s recent decision to significantly raise driving license prices, which has been heard at the Lahore High Court.

Ghulam Rasool Haral Advoctae filed the plea on Saturday. Respondents include the Punjab government, the Inspector General of Punjab, and others.

The petitioner has taken the position that it is illegal to raise the cost of a driver’s license. It is not within the power of the caretaker administration to raise prices and levy new levies.

According to the appeal, the caretaker government cannot increase costs for conducting its daily operations.

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The petitioner strongly urged the court to restore the earlier, more reasonable cost structure in addition to overturning the charge increase.

The government of Punjab has made modifications to the driving license cost schedule, which will take effect on January 16, 2024. This is a part of their continued campaign to stop people driving without a valid license.