New rule announced for motorcyclists

CTO urged riders to wear helmets for their own safety.

The Lahore Traffic Police has launched a stricter campaign against motorcyclists riding without helmets in an effort to reduce road accidents and save lives.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi said motorcyclists without helmets will not be allowed to travel on major roads, including Mall Road, Jail Road, Canal Road, and Main Boulevard Road. Special traffic police teams have been deployed at all entry points to the city to ensure enforcement of the campaign.

According to the CTO, the initiative is aimed at reducing deaths among motorcyclists, who make up the majority of traffic accident fatalities in Lahore.

Traffic police data shows that 96 motorcyclists have died in 139 traffic accidents recorded so far this year. Head injuries remain the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. Shirazi said motorcyclists account for 73 percent of fatalities in deadly road accidents, making rider safety a key concern for the department.

He added that Lahore has more than 6.1 million registered motorcycles out of around 8.2 million registered vehicles, and motorcycles are involved in the highest number of traffic accidents.

Shirazi said the ongoing helmet enforcement campaign has helped reduce head injury cases by 40 percent. He stressed that the purpose of the crackdown is not to collect fines but to protect lives.

The CTO urged riders to wear helmets for their own safety rather than to avoid penalties, adding that helmet use and proper lane discipline are essential for safer roads.