IHC Rules on Immediate FIRs Against Unlicensed Drivers
The Islamabad High Court has directed traffic police to immediately stop registering FIR against individuals found driving vehicles without valid driving licenses.
Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar issued this directive during the hearing of a petition that challenged the recent crackdown on unlicensed drivers by Islamabad Traffic Police.
Islamabad Chief Traffic Officer Captain retired Hamza Humayun appeared before the court and clarified that no FIRs had been registered against unlicensed motorists so far.
He informed the bench that the department was working to integrate license verification with NADRA digital systems to improve transparency and ensure accountability in enforcement procedures.
The petition argued that the traffic police move to impose deadlines, confiscate vehicles, and arrest unlicensed drivers lacked legal authority from the federal government and required immediate review.
It stated that the Motor Vehicles Ordinance specifies monetary penalties instead of immediate FIRs or arrests for such offenses committed by unlicensed or first-time drivers.
Chief Justice Dogar observed that once an FIR is registered, the accused becomes part of the criminal justice system, leading to stigma and lasting negative consequences.
He advised traffic police officials to issue one-time warnings and fines for first-time offenders before taking any strict legal action in recurring violations.
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The court further instructed that drivers holding valid licenses but without physical copies should be allowed to show digital versions or photocopies for verification purposes.
Justice Dogar highlighted that the NADRA mobile application enables online license validation, which can help traffic officials during routine roadside inspection or enforcement operations.
The Islamabad High Court clarified that FIRs must only be registered in incidents involving reckless or negligent driving that poses a threat to public safety and property.
The bench disposed of the petition after directing traffic authorities to ensure transparent and lawful implementation of traffic regulations in the federal capital territory.
Earlier, Islamabad Inspector General Ali Nasir Rizvi had announced strict enforcement from October, including possible arrests and vehicle confiscation against unlicensed or repeat traffic violators.
The court decision provides clear legal guidance for traffic police, promoting balanced enforcement that upholds public safety while respecting citizens rights to fair treatment.
The ruling marks an important development for Islamabad motorists as the High Court promotes digital transparency, lawful conduct, and disciplined driving in the federal capital.
