Govt proposes long jail terms for dangerous driving offences
Under the proposed law, reckless or dangerous driving would constitute a criminal offence.
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The government has proposed a new road traffic bill introducing long prison sentences for injuries or deaths caused by reckless or dangerous driving.
The bill, which would replace the existing Road Traffic Act, was submitted by PNC MP Ali Shamin Habeeb on behalf of the government.
Under the proposed law, reckless or dangerous driving would constitute a criminal offence. The penalties include:
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Up to 20 years’ imprisonment if a death occurs
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A prison term of 10 to 15 years if a person is seriously injured
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A prison term of 5 to 10 years if a person is injured
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A fine of MVR 25,000 to MVR 100,000 for accidents that do not result in injury
The bill also includes provisions to revoke the offender’s right to hold a driving licence. If the licence is revoked, or if the person does not hold one, applying for a licence would be prohibited for a specified period. These include:
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For offences that carry imprisonment, the right to a licence would be denied for the duration of the sentence.
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In other cases, the right to a licence would be suspended for one year.
Similar penalties are proposed for vehicle owners who allow an unlicensed person or a child to drive. The penalties include:
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20 years’ imprisonment if a death occurs (with no option of a fine)
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A sentence of 10 to 15 years’ imprisonment or a fine of MVR 25,000 to MVR 100,000 if a person is seriously injured
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A sentence of 5 to 10 years’ imprisonment or a fine of MVR 25,000 to MVR 100,000 if a person is injured
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A fine of MVR 25,000 to MVR 50,000 if the vehicle is handed over to an unlicensed person without injury
If the vehicle is given to a child, the maximum penalty would apply.
The current Road Traffic Act does not contain imprisonment penalties for reckless or dangerous driving, though charges may be brought under the Penal Code where applicable.
