Vehicles Without Green Stickers to Be Banned Now in Punjab
The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially announced a strict crackdown on vehicles without green stickers, to control rising smog and air pollution across Punjab. This decision has far-reaching implications for vehicle owners, particularly those in Lahore, where the pollution crisis has reached alarming levels. As a responsible motorist, it’s crucial to understand what this enforcement means, how to obtain your EPA green sticker, and what penalties apply for non-compliance.
EPA Green Sticker Campaign 2025: What You Must Know
In a decisive move against environmental degradation, EPA Punjab has declared that vehicles without green stickers will be seized starting November 15, 2025. This enforcement aims to ensure that all vehicles meet mandatory emission testing standards under the Emission Testing System (ETS) framework.
According to Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General of EPA Punjab, the green sticker serves as official proof that a vehicle has passed the emission and noise pollution tests. Without it, vehicles will be considered polluting and unfit for road use.
Key Highlights of the Crackdown
- Start Date: November 15, 2025
- Authority Involved: Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Requirement: Valid Green Emission Testing Sticker
- Penalty: Immediate vehicle impoundment and potential legal action
- Applies To: All vehicles in Lahore and other urban centers of Punjab
Why the Green Sticker is Mandatory
The EPA green sticker is not just a formality—it’s an environmental necessity. Each sticker verifies that the vehicle’s emission levels meet the prescribed standards under the Punjab Environmental Protection (Motor Vehicle) Rules. It ensures that every car, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle on the road contributes less to smog and toxic emissions, helping to curb the worsening air pollution in the province.
Vehicles emitting visible smoke, excessive carbon monoxide, or noise pollution are major contributors to Punjab’s deteriorating air quality. By enforcing this certification system, EPA Punjab seeks to reduce these emissions systematically.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The EPA has clearly stated that there will be zero tolerance for vehicles without green stickers. Any vehicle found on the road without the green sticker will be subject to:
- Immediate Seizure: Vehicles will be impounded on the spot by enforcement teams.
- Legal Action: Owners may face fines and possible prosecution under environmental laws.
- No Exceptions: Private cars, motorbikes, rickshaws, and commercial vehicles are all included.
This campaign reflects the government’s firm stance on pollution control and the enforcement of environmental laws.
How to Get Your EPA Green Sticker in Punjab
Obtaining the green sticker is a simple but mandatory process. Here’s how vehicle owners can comply before the deadline.
Step 1: Visit an Authorized Emission Testing Center
Locate the nearest EPA-approved Emission Testing Center (ETC) in your district. These centers are equipped with ETS-certified testing machines that measure carbon emissions, smoke density, and noise levels.
Step 2: Undergo the Emission Test
The testing process involves measuring your vehicle’s exhaust gases and engine noise output. The parameters are compared against EPA standards to determine compliance.
Step 3: Pay the Applicable Fee
A small testing and sticker fee is charged, depending on the type of vehicle. Payment can usually be made via cash or digital platforms integrated with Punjab’s online services.
Step 4: Receive Your Green Sticker
Once your vehicle passes, you’ll be issued a green sticker to be placed prominently on your windshield. This sticker indicates that your vehicle meets all emission and noise pollution standards.
Why This Crackdown on Vehicles Without Green Stickers Matters
Pakistan’s air pollution crisis is not new, but it has reached an emergency level. According to environmental reports, Pakistan ranked as the 3rd most polluted country in the world in 2024, largely due to vehicle emissions, industrial waste, and poor fuel quality. In Lahore alone, smog has reduced visibility, caused respiratory illnesses, and lowered life expectancy by several years.
The green sticker initiative is therefore more than regulatory—it’s a public health measure designed to combat toxic air and improve overall environmental quality.
The Air Pollution Crisis in Punjab
Air pollution in Punjab has become a year-round challenge, but during the winter months, it worsens dramatically. This is due to:
- Increased vehicle emissions due to temperature inversion.
- Crop residue burning in surrounding agricultural areas.
- Industrial smoke and construction dust.
- Use of substandard fuels and non-compliant engines.
Smog formation in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala often reaches hazardous levels, with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings exceeding 400—far above the safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
EPA’s Broader Plan to Combat Smog
The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency has outlined a multi-step strategy to reduce air pollution:
- Vehicle Emission Regulation: Enforcing green stickers and impounding polluting vehicles.
- Industrial Monitoring: Installing emission control systems in factories.
- Crop Burning Control: Monitoring and penalizing farmers who burn residue.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Encouraging citizens to take responsibility.
- Promotion of Electric Vehicles: Incentivizing EVs and hybrids to reduce fuel emissions.
How You Can Play Your Part in Reducing Air Pollution
While government initiatives are crucial, individual actions play a major role in improving air quality. Every citizen can make small yet meaningful changes to contribute to a cleaner environment.
1. Use HEPA Filters in Homes and Offices
Install HEPA filters in air purifiers, air conditioners, and vacuums. They effectively remove fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and allergens from the air, creating a safer indoor environment.
2. Avoid Indoor Smoking
Secondhand smoke adds harmful chemicals and fine particles to indoor air. Keeping homes smoke-free significantly reduces indoor pollution.
3. Limit the Use of Air Fresheners and Aerosols
Many air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to poor air quality. Opt for natural alternatives such as essential oils or activated charcoal.
4. Carpool or Use Public Transport
Fewer vehicles on the road mean lower emissions. Plan your commutes smartly, share rides, or use mass transit systems to reduce your carbon footprint.
5. Combine Errands in One Trip
Consolidating trips reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Make it a habit to plan ahead and minimize unnecessary driving.
6. Switch to Hybrid or Electric Vehicles
With the increasing availability of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids, switching is becoming easier. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and are more cost-efficient in the long term.
7. Conserve Energy and Limit AC Use
Air conditioners consume a significant amount of electricity generated from fossil fuels. Use energy-efficient appliances and adopt green home practices to lower energy consumption.
The Legal Framework Behind EPA’s Green Sticker Enforcement
The crackdown aligns with several laws under The Punjab Environmental Protection Act, including:
- Section-16: Prohibits discharge of excessive emissions beyond permissible limits.
- Section-17: Authorizes EPA to inspect and seize non-compliant vehicles.
- Section-21: Mandates regular emission checks for all registered vehicles.
Violating these sections can lead to penalties, fines, or suspension of vehicle registration.
Also read: How to trim your Fuel Expenses: Here are Top 10 Tips.
FAQ’s About Vehicles Without Green Stickers
1. When does the EPA crackdown start?
The enforcement will begin on November 15, 2025, across all major cities in Punjab.
2. What happens if my vehicle doesn’t have a green sticker?
Vehicles without green stickers will be seized immediately and may be subject to fines or legal action.
3. Where can I get my vehicle tested?
You can visit any EPA-approved Emission Testing Center or authorized workshop equipped with the Emission Testing System (ETS).
4. What is the cost of the emission test?
The cost varies by vehicle type, typically ranging between Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000.
5. Is the test mandatory for all vehicles?
Yes. The test applies to all motor vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, rickshaws, and commercial fleets.
Environmental and Economic Benefits of Compliance
Complying with EPA regulations doesn’t just protect the environment—it offers tangible benefits for motorists:
- Better Fuel Efficiency: Clean engines run smoother and consume less fuel.
- Lower Maintenance Costs: Emission testing detects engine issues early.
- Improved Air Quality: Reduces smog and respiratory diseases.
- Enhanced Vehicle Value: Compliance increases resale potential.
By obtaining your green sticker, you’re contributing to a healthier, safer, and more sustainable Pakistan.
The Road Ahead: A Cleaner, Greener Punjab
The EPA’s crackdown against the vehicles without green stickers marks a critical step toward sustainable urban living. While short-term inconvenience may arise for vehicle owners, the long-term benefits are undeniable—cleaner air, healthier citizens, and safer roads.
Environmental protection is not solely the government’s duty—it’s a shared responsibility. As citizens, adopting eco-friendly habits, ensuring vehicle compliance, and supporting green initiatives will pave the way for a smog-free Punjab.
Conclusion (Vehicles Without Green Stickers)
The EPA Green Sticker initiative in Punjab 2025 represents a powerful shift toward responsible vehicle ownership and cleaner air quality. The enforcement starting on November 15, 2025, serves as both a warning and an opportunity—to act responsibly before penalties apply.
Let us stand together in supporting EPA Punjab’s mission to build a healthier environment, where every vehicle contributes not to pollution, but to progress. The path to a smog-free Pakistan begins with one simple step — getting your green sticker today.
Also read: MTMIS Punjab Bike & Vehicle Verification: The Ultimate Guide