New bill proposes to increase traffic violation fines

A bill has been submitted to the parliament by Hulhu-Henveyru MP Moosa Manik, to increase fines for violations of land transport regulations.

The Bill of Amendment to Article 53 of the Land Transport Act states that the fine for speeding (first offence) should be increased from MVR 500 to MVR 1,000, and speeding (second offence) should be increased from MVR 750 to 1,500.

According to the amendment bill, additional speeding violations would result in driving licence being revoked for three months.

The bill also proposes to increase the fine for driving an unregistered vehicle from MVR 500 to MVR 750.

It also gives police the authority to take action against traffic violations when they are not on duty, by showing their badge, checking licence and registration, and taking necessary action.

Following accidents, police can withhold licences for 48 hours without a court order.

The bill proposes fines of MVR 2,000 for reckless driving (first offence), MVR 3,000 for reckless driving (second offence), and MVR 4,000 for every additional reckless driving offence.

Driving without a licence will carry fines of MVR 1,000 (first offence), MVR 1,500 (second offence), and MVR 2,000 and seizure of vehicle for three months (third offence).

With regard to parking, the bill states that keeping goods and other items on the streets in a manner that causes disturbances to pedestrians, will carry a fine of MVR 750.