Complete Guide to Traffic Rules in Pakistan

Welcome to our complete guide to traffic rules and regulations in Pakistan. Understanding these essential road laws is not only a mandatory requirement for passing your driving license theory test but is also crucial for ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road. Our guide provides clear, easy-to-understand explanations of all the rules you need to know, from basic right-of-way principles to specific driving regulations.

We have meticulously compiled and categorized over 50 essential rules to make your learning journey simple and effective. You can use the search bar to find a specific rule or browse through the categories below to get started.

Showing 50 of 50 rules

#1Essential Traffic Laws

You must carry your driving license with you while driving.

It is a legal requirement to have your driving license on you whenever you are operating a vehicle.

#2Essential Traffic Laws

Fasten your seatbelt at all times. It's an offense not to wear a seatbelt.

Wearing a seatbelt provides crucial safety for the driver and passengers in case of an accident. The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers, including children, are buckled up.

#3Essential Traffic Laws

It is an offense to obstruct the clear vision of your vehicle's number plates.

Number plates must be clearly visible and legible at all times for identification and enforcement purposes.

#4Essential Traffic Laws

Do not use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

Using a mobile phone while driving can divert your attention and significantly increase the risk of an accident.

#5Right-of-Way Rules

Give way to traffic approaching from the right side at a 'Give Way' sign.

The 'Give Way' sign indicates that you must yield the right of way to vehicles on the main road, especially those approaching from your right.

#6Right-of-Way Rules

At a roundabout, give way to traffic already on the roundabout and approaching from your right.

This rule ensures a smooth and continuous flow of traffic in roundabouts by prioritizing vehicles that are already circulating.

#7Right-of-Way Rules

You should slow down or be ready to make a safe stop when approaching a pedestrian crossing.

This is to ensure the safety of pedestrians who may be crossing the road, even if none are in sight.

#8Speed Limits

When your vehicle's speed is 60 km/h, you should maintain a distance of 40 meters from the front vehicle.

Maintaining a safe following distance allows you enough time to react and stop safely.

#9Speed Limits

Driving faster than the maximum speed limit is never legally permitted.

Speed limits are set for a reason and exceeding them is a serious offense that can lead to accidents and legal penalties.

#10Driving Regulations

Do not park on a footpath under any circumstances.

Footpaths are designated for pedestrians. Parking on them obstructs their path and is a traffic violation.

#11Driving Regulations

Overtaking is only permitted on a broken center line and must be done safely.

A broken center line indicates that overtaking is allowed when it is safe to do so. Overtaking is not allowed on a bridge or zebra crossing.

#12Driving Regulations

You must not drive a vehicle on the motorway in reverse.

Driving in reverse on a motorway is extremely dangerous due to high-speed traffic and is strictly prohibited.

#13Driving Regulations

You must not cross a red signal under any circumstances.

A red signal means you must stop your vehicle completely behind the stop line and wait for the signal to turn green. Running a red light is a serious offense.

#14Driving Regulations

Informatory signs are typically rectangular in shape.

Informatory signs, like those indicating directions or services, are often rectangular to differentiate them from mandatory or warning signs.

#15Driving Regulations

Warning signs are typically triangular and indicate danger.

These signs alert drivers to potential dangers or hazards ahead on the road.

#16Driving Regulations

If there are no lanes marked on the road, you should drive on the middle of the road.

Driving in the middle helps maintain a predictable path for other road users.

#17Driving Regulations

When approaching a blind turn, you should slow down your speed.

Slowing down on a blind turn reduces the risk of collision with oncoming traffic or unexpected obstacles.

#18Driving Regulations

It is not allowed to park in front of a closed gate.

Parking in front of a closed gate can obstruct access for the occupants of the building.

#19Driving Regulations

You must not drive a vehicle if your age is below 18.

The legal age for driving is 18 years, and driving before this age is a violation of the law.

#20Driving Regulations

Using a horn is to warn others of danger, not to show annoyance.

The horn is a safety device and should be used responsibly to alert other road users of potential danger.

#21Driving Regulations

Motorcycles are not allowed on the motorway.

Motorways are high-speed roads, and motorcycles are not permitted to ensure the safety of all road users.

#22Essential Traffic Laws

A pillion passenger on a motorcycle must wear an approved safety helmet.

This is a legal requirement to ensure the safety of both the rider and the passenger in case of a crash.

#23Essential Traffic Laws

You should have a First Aid Box in your vehicle at all times.

A first aid kit can be helpful in providing immediate medical assistance in case of an accident or injury.

#24Essential Traffic Laws

You must ensure that the brake fluid level in your vehicle is adequate.

A low brake fluid level can cause brake failure and lead to a serious accident.

#25Driving Regulations

Before overtaking, you must ensure that it is safe and the road is clear of oncoming traffic.

This is a fundamental safety precaution to prevent head-on collisions and other accidents while changing lanes.

#26Driving Regulations

You must not open a vehicle door on a roadway if it is likely to cause danger to other road users.

Opening a door without checking for traffic can lead to a collision with cyclists, motorcyclists, or other vehicles.

#27Driving Regulations

It is not allowed to stop your vehicle ahead of the stop line at a red signal.

The stop line is there to ensure that vehicles do not obstruct the pedestrian crossing or the traffic from other directions.

#28Driving Regulations

You must not park your vehicle at a bus stop.

Parking at a bus stop prevents buses from safely picking up and dropping off passengers.

#29Driving Regulations

Pedestrians are not allowed to walk on motorways or their slip roads.

Motorways are exclusively for high-speed vehicular traffic, and pedestrians are at an extremely high risk of being hit by a vehicle.

#30Essential Traffic Laws

You must check the brake oil level in your vehicle before driving.

A low brake oil level can cause brake failure, which can lead to a serious accident. Regular checks are essential for safety.

#31Essential Traffic Laws

You must have a First Aid Box in your vehicle at all times.

A first aid kit is crucial for providing immediate medical assistance in case of an accident or injury.

#32Driving Regulations

The reaction of aged drivers is typically slower.

Older drivers may have slower reaction times, so they should drive with extra caution and awareness.

#33Driving Regulations

Honking is not allowed in residential areas between 1 AM and 9 AM.

This rule is in place to reduce noise pollution and respect the peace of residents, especially during sleeping hours.

#34Driving Regulations

A driver's eyesight must be able to read a vehicle's number plate from a distance of 35 feet.

Good vision is critical for safe driving, as it ensures you can identify and react to road signs and other vehicles from a safe distance.

#35Driving Regulations

Driving learners should get training from a driver with at least one year of experience with a valid license.

An experienced driver can provide proper guidance and supervision to a learner, which is essential for developing safe driving habits.

#36Driving Regulations

You should look at the front vehicle when changing gears.

Maintaining focus on the road ahead while changing gears helps you stay aware of traffic and react to any sudden changes.

#37Driving Regulations

The first gear is the most powerful gear for a vehicle.

First gear provides the most torque, which is necessary for starting from a stop or climbing steep inclines.

#38Driving Regulations

You must keep at least a 5-second distance while overtaking.

This safety rule ensures you have enough time and space to complete the overtaking maneuver safely without risking a collision.

#39Driving Regulations

Parking and overtaking are not allowed on a zebra crossing.

Zebra crossings are for pedestrians. Obstructing them with a parked vehicle or an overtaking maneuver is dangerous and illegal.

#40Driving Regulations

You must not overtake on a bridge.

Overtaking on a bridge is extremely dangerous due to limited space and potential blind spots.

#41Essential Traffic Laws

You must not use a mobile phone while driving.

Using a mobile phone while driving is a major distraction and increases the risk of accidents.

#42Driving Regulations

Before stopping your vehicle, you should sound your horn.

Sounding your horn warns other road users of your intention to stop, helping to prevent collisions.

#43Driving Regulations

You may sound the horn of your vehicle to warn of danger to any road user.

The horn is a safety device intended to alert others to a hazardous situation.

#44Driving Regulations

When there are no lanes marked on the road, you should drive in the middle of the road.

This helps to maintain a consistent path and allows others to pass on either side if it's safe to do so.

#45Driving Regulations

You must not open a door of your vehicle if you are likely to cause danger to other road users.

This is a basic safety rule to prevent accidents, especially with cyclists or motorcyclists who may be passing.

#46Driving Regulations

Obstructing the clear vision of your vehicle's number plates is an offense.

Number plates must be visible for law enforcement and identification purposes.

#47Driving Regulations

The right lane on a freeway with three lanes is for overtaking.

The right-most lane is typically used for passing slower traffic, keeping the other lanes clear for regular driving.

#48Driving Regulations

If you get sleepy while driving, you should stop, rest, and change the driver if possible.

Driving while drowsy is extremely dangerous and can lead to a serious accident.

#49Right-of-Way Rules

When approaching a marked pedestrian crossing with no pedestrians in sight, you should still slow down or be ready to make a safe stop.

This is a safety measure to protect any pedestrians who may suddenly appear on the crossing.

#50Right-of-Way Rules

If elderly people or children are on a pedestrian crossing, you should wait extra time to allow them to cross safely.

Elderly people and children may take longer to cross the road, so giving them extra time ensures their safety.

Why Understanding Traffic Rules is Important

A driver's license is not just a privilege; it's a responsibility. Thoroughly knowing Pakistan's road laws and regulations is your first step towards becoming a responsible driver. This knowledge will not only help you successfully pass your theory test but also enable you to make split-second decisions on the road that prevent accidents and save lives.

Our guide is designed to go beyond simple memorization. We provide context and real-world examples to help you truly understand the reasoning behind each rule. When you're ready, test your knowledge with our free mock tests designed specifically for the Pakistani driving exam.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Rules

What are the common traffic fines in Pakistan?

Common traffic fines in Pakistan include speeding (Rs. 500-2000), running red lights (Rs. 1000-3000), not wearing seatbelts (Rs. 500-1000), and using mobile phones while driving (Rs. 1000-2000). Fines vary by province and severity of violation.

How many questions are in the Pakistani driving theory test?

The Pakistani driving theory test typically consists of 20-30 multiple choice questions covering traffic rules, road signs, and driving regulations. You need to score at least 70% to pass.

What is the minimum age to get a driving license in Pakistan?

The minimum age to get a driving license in Pakistan is 18 years for a regular car license.

Are traffic rules the same across all provinces in Pakistan?

While the basic traffic rules are similar across all provinces, there may be slight variations in speed limits, fines, and specific regulations. It's important to familiarize yourself with local rules when driving in different provinces.

How long is a Pakistani driving license valid?

A Pakistani driving license is typically valid for 1,2,5 and 7 years from the date of issue. After expiration, you need to renew it by paying the renewal fee and passing a medical examination.

What documents are required for a driving license in Pakistan?

Required documents include CNIC, medical certificate, passport-sized photographs, and proof of address. You may also need to provide a learner's permit if applying for a full license.

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