The Punjab Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control Department has clarified new rules regarding vehicle number plates during routine road checks. Citizens are no longer required to display “original” government-issued plates, as the centralized issuance system has been discontinued.

Now, vehicles can use number plates made by private vendors, provided they follow the approved Punjab format.

This decision comes after reports that some traffic officers were demanding original plates and even imposing fines during routine inspections. According to a recent official letter, only compliance with the Punjab-approved number plate format will be verified, and citizens will not face penalties if their privately manufactured plates conform to this standard.

The move reflects a shift toward simplifying road checks while reducing unnecessary stress for vehicle owners. Officials have emphasized that strict adherence to the prescribed format is still mandatory to ensure consistency and legality. This change aims to make verification smoother and avoid harassment of the general public during routine checks.