Islamabad, March 2026 — The National Assembly has passed the Provincial Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2026, introducing a new legal provision that prohibits the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving within the Islamabad Capital Territory.
The legislation amends the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965 (W.P. Ordinance XIX of 1965) and inserts a new Section 101-A, titled “Use of Mobile Telephone.” Under this section, drivers of motor vehicles and motorcycles are barred from using any hand-held mobile phone or interactive communication device while operating the vehicle.
The law provides an exception only for emergency situations, allowing phone use solely to contact police, fire, ambulance, or other emergency services.
Penalty for Violation
Although the bill itself does not specify punishment, the newly inserted Section 101-A automatically becomes subject to Section 112 and penalty provisions already contained in the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965. Under these existing provisions:
Drivers of private vehicles found using a hand-held mobile phone may be fined not less than Rs. 200 and up to Rs. 500.
Drivers of transport/commercial vehicles may face a higher penalty ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000.
These punishments apply immediately upon enforcement of the amendment.
Officials say the new law aims to address the rising number of road accidents caused by distracted driving. Traffic police in Islamabad are expected to issue detailed enforcement guidelines in the coming days.
