In a recent development, the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has introduced a revised fee structure for obtaining driving licenses, prompting discussions among the public. The updated fees, now including additional service charges, reflect an increase of up to 33% in certain categories.
Under the new arrangement, applicants will encounter a base license fee of up to Rs800, with a portion earmarked specifically for the welfare initiatives of the police department. This fee, collected in cash by the police, is separate from the standard license fee of Rs2,400, which continues to be deposited into the national exchequer through bank transactions. The introduction of these service charges, including optional fees like those for road tests, comes following a directive from the interior minister and approval by the police chief.
The revised fee structure also introduces a Rs200 medical fee and offers a fast-track processing option for an additional Rs2,000. Road test fees vary based on vehicle type, with charges set at Rs200 for motor cars, Rs300 for light-traffic vehicles, and Rs500 for heavy-traffic vehicles. Additionally, a Rs200 fee for road safety education sessions has implemented. Those requiring a driving license no-objection certificate (NOC) will now pay Rs1,000 for this essential document, necessary when changing the license issuing authority.
Notably, fees for community driving schools have undergone substantial increases, with charges for motor cars now set at Rs12,000, light-traffic vehicles at Rs18,000, and heavy-traffic vehicles at Rs25,000. Furthermore, a new Rs200 mobile facilitation fee has introduced for the recently launched ‘license on wheels’ service, spearheaded by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
However, concerns have raised by legal experts and police officers regarding the legality of these fee adjustments, implemented via an office order rather than through legislative channels as stipulated by the Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1965. The ordinance reserves the authority to modify or introduce fees exclusively to the federal government, raising questions about the legal foundation for these changes.
While the police spokesperson affirmed the role of the Police Executive Board in the decision-making process, clarity on the legal justification for the fee adjustments remains elusive. The spokesperson acknowledged that the service charges would contribute to the police welfare fund, underscoring the intent behind the fee restructuring.
The implementation of these revised fees marks a significant shift in the cost structure associated with obtaining driving licenses under the jurisdiction of the Islamabad Traffic Police, inviting both scrutiny and debate from various quarters.
 has introduced a revised fee structure for obtaining driving licenses, prompting discussions among the public. The updated fees, now including additional service charges, reflect an increase of up to 33% in certain categories.){kind=link}