Viral seatbelt T-shirt sparks social media trend amid e-challan rollout

(Dunya News) - A T-shirt printed with a black seatbelt design recently went viral in Pakistan, following the rollout of the new e-challan system in major cities.

Seatbelt T-Shirt creates the illusion that the wearer is buckled up. Social media users are sharing photos and videos of themselves wearing it, calling it a “creative” way to avoid traffic fines.

The trend gained momentum shortly after traffic authorities began enforcing e-challans through surveillance cameras in cities including Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad. The automated system detects violations such as driving without a seatbelt, running red lights, and using a mobile phone while driving. Offenders are issued fines that are directly sent to the registered address of the vehicle owner.

In Karachi, traffic police recently issued dozens of e-challans, including to government vehicles, for failing to comply with seatbelt laws and other traffic rules. With the sudden implementation of the e-challan system and the substantial penalties attached to traffic violations, many motorists are exploring “desi totkas” to avoid fines.

The viral T-shirt has become a symbol of this trend, with users on TikTok, Instagram, and X creatively showcasing the garment. While some see it as a humorous workaround, authorities have warned that only proper compliance with traffic laws, including actually wearing a seatbelt, can prevent fines.