In a big step for young people in Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that 16-year-olds can now get smart cards and motorcycle driving licenses.
This change came after many worries about police arresting and handcuffing kids for small traffic mistakes, like not wearing a helmet. She wants to stop these harsh actions and help teens drive safely and legally.
Maryam Nawaz shared this during a meeting on traffic rules in Lahore on December 2, 2025. She said she is upset about seeing young students treated badly by police for minor issues.
Now, police cannot arrest or handcuff anyone under 18 for first-time traffic breaks. Instead, they will give warnings and teach about road safety. To make things better, the government will use drones and body cameras to watch traffic without being mean to people.
This new rule lowers the bike driving age from 18 to 16. Teens can use their smart card to apply for a license. It gives legal papers to young riders who already use bikes for school or fun.
The goal is to cut down on accidents, teach good driving habits, and avoid court cases for kids. Maryam Nawaz also asked parents to guide their children on safe roads.
Experts say this will make Punjab roads safer and empower youth. It fits with her other plans, like giving cheap bikes to students through easy payments.
No exact start date for applications yet, but traffic police will soon run awareness drives in schools.
