The decision follows the arrest of thousands of young riders across Punjab under the enforcement campaign.

The three-day campaign had led to more than 4,600 cases and nearly 3,100 arrests, many involving school students. Parents accused authorities of creating criminal records for minors and said the arrests were unnecessary and damaging.

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According to the chief minister’s office, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed displeasure after images emerged of schoolchildren being handcuffed. Officials said the new decision aims to regulate young riders rather than penalise them.

Under the revised approach, first-time offenders caught without helmets will be issued warnings instead of fines. Traffic police will also introduce drones and body cameras to monitor violations and ensure transparency.

The chief minister stressed that parents must take responsibility for teaching road safety, noting that many traffic offences stem from lack of proper guidance at home.

The government has directed police units across Punjab to conduct a dedicated awareness week focusing on students and young motorcyclists.