Rust in peace: Sindh cracks down on Karachi’s killer trucks | The Express Tribune

From mandatory GPS trackers and 360° cameras to steep fines of up to Rs300,000, the Sindh government has rolled out sweeping amendments to its Motor Vehicle Rules. The reforms target ageing, unsafe trucks and aim to make the province’s roads safer, more transparent, and better policed.

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said at a press briefing on Wednesday that all heavy commercial vehicles will now be required to obtain fitness certificates from centres established by the transport department. He added that, in case of violations, heavy fines would be imposed on vehicle owners, and all fines would be deposited online into the Sindh government’s account.

The minister said the amendments havebeen introduced to protect lives and property, reduce accidents, and make the traffic system more transparent through modern technology. He noted that one major cause of traffic accidents across the province, including Karachi, was old and poorly maintained heavy vehicles. Under the new rules, no heavy vehicle will be allowed on the roads without a fitness certificate and safety equipment.

Memon said the Sindh government had taken these strict measures for the protection of public life and property and would enforce them without yielding to any pressure. Traffic police, excise police, and transport authorities have been instructed not to show leniency in enforcement. He added that the implementation of this modern system would not only benefit citizens but also help bring the transport sector onto modern lines.

Heavy fines

According to the amended rules, violators will face heavy fines. Memon said the law would come into effect within one year, during which all vehicles must undergo a mandatory roadworthiness test. Violations will be penalised in stages: a minor fine for the first offence, Rs200,000 for the second, and up to Rs300,000 for the third.

Age limits set for vehicles

The new amendments also set age limits for vehicles. Memon said vehicles over 20 years old would not be permitted on inter-provincial routes; vehicles over 25 years old would not be allowed on inter-city routes; and a maximum age limit of 35 years would apply to vehicles operating within cities.

GPS and HD cameras mandatory

The amended rules make GPS tracking devices and high-definition cameras, including 360-degree systems, compulsory in heavy commercial vehicles.

According to Memon, each vehicle must be equipped with GPS tracking devices, high-definition cameras at the front and rear, a driver monitoring camera, and a 360-degree camera system. He said the Sindh government believed that installing modern tracking and camera systems would not only make traffic law enforcement easier but also help determine the causes of accidents and ensure transparent investigations.

No registration without under-run safety guards

Additionally, under-run protection guards must be fitted to prevent smaller vehicles or motorcycles from being crushed in case of an accident. These safety devices must be fully functional, and without certification, no vehicle will be registered, issued a fitness certificate, granted a permit, or allowed ownership transfer.

Memon warned that if any vehicle was found without these systems, or if they were deliberately damaged, heavy fines would be imposed. The vehicle would be suspended, and if defects were not rectified within 14 days, registration would be permanently cancelled.

Heavy vehicles have become increasingly notorious, particularly in Karachi, where accidents involving them have surged. A total of 165 people have lost their lives in such accidents this year.

Last month, after a water tanker collided with a motorcycle, killing two people, an angry mob set seven heavy vehicles ablaze. The incident prompted the Dumper Truck Association to shut down Super Highway and block routes from Sohrab Goth to Thatta. Association leader Liaquat Mehsud said the protest was a response to the mob’s torching of dumper trucks.