After months of free testing for motorists, the Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Department has introduced new charges for emission testing of vehicles.
According to a notification issued by the department, the charges going into effect today (Nov 10) include Rs500 for vehicles up to 1000cc, Rs800 for vehicles between 1001cc to 1500cc, Rs1,000 for 1501cc to 2500cc, Rs1,500 for 2501cc to 4500cc and Rs2,000 for all vehicles over 4500cc.
Reports said the fee must be paid online, after which a confirmation message will be sent to the user’s registered mobile number.
Citizens have been instructed to bring their CNICs when appearing for the emission test.
It may be noted that the announcement comes weeks after the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that vehicles without “Green Stickers” will not be allowed on Lahore’s roads after November 15.
EPA Director General (DG) Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh had said that exhaust testing was now mandatory for all vehicles in the city, confirming that the agency has launched a strict crackdown on vehicles causing air pollution.
“From November 15, any vehicle found on the road without an Exhaust Testing System (ETS) certificate or a green sticker will be impounded,” Dr Sheikh warned.
“Only vehicles meeting Punjab’s environmental standards will be permitted to operate on the roads.”
The EPA reminded drivers that both emissions and noise testing are compulsory.
Dr Sheikh said the emission testing system was formally launched in July 2025 to control vehicular pollution ahead of the smog season. He added that vehicles manufactured between 2010 and 2015 are being targeted in the first phase of enforcement.
The previous deadline for green stickers was August 31.
Dr Sheikh said the agency had adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward vehicles that harm the environment. Vehicles not verified through the ETS will face legal action and possible confiscation.
The EPA urged citizens to have their vehicles tested immediately, saying this is the toughest anti-pollution campaign ever launched in Lahore.
The decisions come amid Punjab’s war against air pollution that had been rendering major cities, especially provincial capital Lahore, unbreathable for the past couple of years.
Recent weeks have seen strict enforcement of anti-smog measures by the government, which has significantly improved air quality in Punjab, including Lahore.