KEY POINTS
- The proposal is part of broader reforms including fitness checks and stricter traffic enforcement
- Popular older models like the 2005 Toyota Corolla and Suzuki Alto may be affected
- Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized a zero-tolerance policy on over-speeding
- Greece leads Europe with an average car age of 17.5 years, while the U.S. stands at 12.6
ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing the rising number of accidents on national highways, Pakistan is considering a ban on vehicles older than 20 years from operating on Pakistan’s motorways. The suggestion, part of a broader package of reforms, has sparked debate among car owners, industry stakeholders, and commuters alike.
Though Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has only suggested this and no official notification has been made uptill now. It is pertinent to mention that Austria, Denmark, and Belgium having the youngest average vehicle age, while Greece leads with the oldest at 17.5 years. In comparison, the U.S. average vehicle age stands at 12.6 years—midway on the European spectrum.
Among the models that could potentially be affected by the proposed restriction by the minister for communications, are popular vehicles like the 2005 Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Suzuki Alto, and Daihatsu Cuore—cars that still make up a significant share of Pakistan’s current automobile fleet.
Khan made the recommendation during a visit to the National Highways and Motorway Police Headquarters, where he outlined a comprehensive plan to revamp motorway safety standards. Alongside the age-based ban, the minister emphasized the mandatory fitness certification of all commercial vehicles within three months, driver retraining programs, and the introduction of new tire certification standards—particularly for aging vehicles.
Although some media outlets reported the ban as already in effect, officials have clarified that no formal decision has been made yet, and the proposal is still under review. Nevertheless, Khan has instructed the Motorway Police to adopt a zero-tolerance stance on over-speeding and axle load violations, urging stricter enforcement with no room for leniency.
The minister also highlighted recurring accident-prone zones along the motorways, stressing the importance of preventive action. Notably, he praised recent efforts by the Motorway Police in filing FIRs against chronic over-speeding offenders—a strategy that he believes has started to yield results.
In a separate development, Khan addressed the issue of infrastructure theft, revealing that over 2,000 meters of stolen safety barriers had been recovered and 36 suspects apprehended. He commended the police for their swift action and called for continued vigilance to protect public assets.
The proposal to ban older vehicles aligns with global concerns about aging car fleets. For instance, in the United States, the average age of vehicles hit 12.6 years in 2024, as rising costs of new cars push owners to retain older models.
If implemented, Pakistan’s proposed 20-year vehicle limit would mark a significant shift in road safety policy and could reshape the country’s transportation landscape—particularly for low- to middle-income families relying on older vehicles.
Europe’s Cars Are Getting Older: ACEA Report Reveals Aging Vehicle Trends Across the Continent
The average age of passenger cars across Europe is steadily rising, with several countries now seeing vehicles on their roads well over a decade old, according to the latest 2025 data released by the Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles (ACEA) in its report Vehicles on European Roads 2025.
The data shows a wide range in average vehicle age across EU and non-EU nations. Austria (9.3 years), Denmark (9.6), and Belgium (9.9) report the youngest fleets, while Greece tops the list with an average vehicle age of 17.5 years, followed by the Czech Republic (16.2), and Romania (15.4).
Other notable figures include Germany (10.3 years), France (11.2), Italy (12.8), and Spain (14.2). The Netherlands and Ireland report average ages of 11.9 and 12.0 years respectively, while Poland and Slovakia both stand at 15.1 years.
In comparison, the average age of passenger cars and light trucks in the United States is currently 12.6 years, placing it roughly in the mid-range of Europe’s scale.
The trend of aging vehicles is seen as a reflection of multiple factors—including rising vehicle prices, inflationary pressures, and slower fleet renewal rates—raising concerns over road safety, emissions, and the pace of transition to greener transportation alternatives.
Experts say the growing age of Europe’s car fleet underlines the need for more robust policies to encourage vehicle turnover and the adoption of low- and zero-emission vehicles across the continent.
