The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department Punjab has introduced a major change in the Punjab number plate policy. Authorities have directed traffic police across the province not to fine motorists for using privately manufactured number plates. However, the plates must strictly follow the approved Punjab format.
This directive aims to prevent unnecessary penalties and public inconvenience.
Government Discontinues Centralized Plate Issuance
On February 19, 2026, the Director General Excise and Taxation Punjab issued an official letter to Punjab Traffic Police. The department clarified that it has stopped collecting charges for government manufactured number plates. Moreover, it has abolished centralized production of licensed plates.
As a result, citizens can now obtain vehicle number plates from any private vendor. However, vendors must strictly follow the prescribed Punjab specific format. Therefore, compliance with the official design remains mandatory.
Clear Instructions to Traffic Police
The department observed that during routine road checks, some officers demanded original government issued number plates. In certain cases, they imposed fines on motorists who did not display such plates.
Consequently, the department instructed traffic police to verify only whether a plate matches the approved Punjab format. Officers cannot demand original government manufactured plates anymore. Since centralized issuance has ended, such a requirement is no longer valid.
Furthermore, authorities have ordered that no penalties should be imposed on vehicle owners using plates made by private vendors. However, the design must fully comply with official specifications.
Focus on Public Convenience
This policy shift intends to reduce public inconvenience and prevent harassment during road checks. Additionally, it simplifies the process for vehicle owners who need replacement plates.
Authorities have directed police officials to ensure strict compliance with these new instructions. Therefore, motorists who follow the approved format should not face unnecessary questioning or fines.
The updated Punjab number plate policy creates clarity for both enforcement agencies and citizens. On one hand, it removes the requirement for government manufactured plates. On the other hand, it maintains strict adherence to the standardized provincial format.
What Vehicle Owners Should Remember
Vehicle owners must ensure that their number plates match the officially approved Punjab design. Although private vendors can produce plates, the format cannot deviate from prescribed standards.
If the design complies with regulations, traffic police cannot impose fines solely for using privately manufactured plates. Hence, motorists should remain aware of format guidelines to avoid complications.
This decision marks a significant administrative shift in Punjab’s vehicle registration system. At the same time, authorities emphasize compliance to maintain uniformity and road identification standards across the province.
