Traffic violators to be notified via text; monitoring to be strengthened in school areas

Transport Ministry, on Wednesday, announced that police will step up monitoring in high-traffic areas of Malé and Hulhumalé to enforce the Land Transport Act, with violators receiving digital notifications via SMS and email.

In a gazetted announcement, the Ministry stated that digital and electronic resources would be used to strengthen enforcement of the Land Transport Act and fulfil regulatory responsibilities, with the measures set to take effect seven days from today.

The Ministry urged the public to operate and use vehicles in strict compliance with the Land Transport Act and its associated regulations. It also clarified that the Maldives Police Service would notify individuals of any enforcement action taken against them via SMS and email.

To ensure that notifications reach the intended recipients, the Ministry has instructed all vehicle owners and operators to update their current phone numbers and email addresses on the SIMS portal within the next seven days.

The Ministry has also identified the areas where the enhanced enforcement measures targeting illegal parking will initially be implemented. These include:

• Hospital zones
• School zones
• Zebra crossings
• Parking spaces designated for persons with disabilities
• Major roads in Malé: Majeedhee Magu, Ameenee Magu, Sosun Magu and Boduthakurufaanu Magu (Ring Road)
• Major roads in Hulhumalé Phase 1: Boashimaa Hingun, Saimaa Hingun, Nirolhu Magu, Handhuvaree Hingun, Hithigas Magu, Bagicha Hingun and Reethigas Magu
• Major roads in Hulhumalé Phase 2: Gulalaamaa Hingun, Nirolhu Magu, Berebedhimaa Hingun and Hithigas Magu

The Ministry expressed its appreciation for the public’s cooperation with the Ministry and the police in enforcing transport laws.

The new Land Transport Act, which introduces significant fines for traffic violations, came into effect earlier this month. According to police statistics, 35 accidents were recorded during the first week of implementation, while enforcement action was taken against 653 individuals and 183 vehicles were towed.

Under the new traffic laws, driving without a licence carries a fine of MVR 1,000 for a first offence, MVR 1,500 for a second offence and MVR 2,000 for a third offence. In addition, the vehicle owner faces a fine of MVR 2,000, and the vehicle will be impounded for 30 days. The law also prescribes substantial fines ranging from MVR 100,000 to MVR 500,000 for cases involving injuries caused by negligent or dangerous driving.