New road traffic law introduces MVR 100 crossing fine
The new Act repeals the Road Traffic Act that has been in force since 2009.
President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday ratified the new Road Traffic Act, which introduces a MVR 100 fine for pedestrians who cross roads in violation of prescribed rules.
The bill was submitted to Parliament by PNC MP Mohamed Shamin Habeeb on behalf of the government. Parliament passed the bill on Wednesday after amendments were made at the committee stage. The President ratified the legislation today.
The new Act repeals the Road Traffic Act that has been in force since 2009.
Pedestrian rules
Under the new law, pedestrians are prohibited from crossing roads in violation of prescribed crossing rules. A person who breaches the rules can be fined MVR 100.
The Ministry of Transport is required to establish rules and standards for pedestrians using congested roads. These rules must be issued and made public within six months of the Act coming into force.
The Act also provides for fines for repeated violations of rules governing road transport by vehicle owners, motorists and pedestrians.
Other fines
The new law introduces or increases penalties for several offences, including:
-
Parking in a space reserved for a person with special needs will carry a fine of between MVR 500 and MVR 1,000, along with a demerit point on the offender’s driving licence.
-
Carrying more people on bicycles and other vehicles than permitted will carry a MVR 750 fine and a demerit point. The current fine is MVR 500.
-
Smoking while driving a bicycle or while using public transport will carry a MVR 750 fine. Drivers, passengers and public transport users can be penalised for the offence.
-
Where a bus, taxi or another public service provider commits an offence, both the driver and the service provider can be penalised. The fine is MVR 15,000, rising to MVR 30,000 for repeated offences.
Transport office and fund for Greater Male’
The Act requires a national road transport strategy to be developed within six months of the law coming into force.
The President must establish a five-member National Road Safety Council within 30 days. A National Road Safety and Traffic Management Advisory Committee will also be established to advise the ministry.
For the first time, the Transport Act includes a chapter covering road transport in the Greater Male’ area.
The chapter requires:
-
The establishment of a Greater Male’ Transport and Mobility Office to plan and implement road transport matters in the area.
-
The Greater Male’ Transport and Mobility Office to determine the number of road vehicles that can be registered in the area.
-
The establishment of a traffic management centre in Greater Male’ to manage traffic and transport services. The centre will be operated and maintained by the Maldives Police Service.
-
The establishment of a Land Transport Mobility Fund to finance road transport planning and implementation in Greater Male’.
Additional vehicle registration fees
The Act introduces an additional ownership fee when the number of road vehicles of the same type registered to a private individual or legal entity exceeds two.
The fee for each additional vehicle will be based on engine capacity. The rates include:
-
Motorcycles, bicycles and scooters: MVR 360 per cubic centimetre, with a minimum fee of MVR 17,280.
-
Cars, jeeps and vans: MVR 4,320 per cubic centimetre, with a minimum fee of MVR 22,680.
-
Heavy vehicles, including lorries and pickups: MVR 3,600 per cubic centimetre, with a minimum fee of MVR 15,000.
Vehicle registration to end after 20 years
The Act sets a 20-year limit for vehicles used in the road transport system.
Road vehicles, except those in an exempt special category, can be used for 20 years from their date of manufacture. Once the period expires, the vehicle’s registration will be cancelled after prior notice.
Vehicles classified as having historical importance based on their type, brand or characteristics may be allowed to remain in use for more than 20 years under regulations made under the Act.
Higher annual fees
The annual fee for vehicles with an engine capacity of more than 200cc and less than 400cc will increase from MVR 3,240 to MVR 6,480.
For vehicles with an engine capacity of 400cc or more, the annual fee will increase from MVR 4,320 to MVR 8,640.
For cars, vans and jeeps with an engine capacity exceeding 2,000cc, the annual fee will increase from MVR 5,670 to MVR 11,340.
Fees for private vehicle numbers
The Act also introduces fees for vehicle owners who wish to use specific numbers or letters instead of the registration number assigned by the Ministry of Transport.
The proposed fees are:
-
Four-wheel vehicles: between MVR 350,000 and MVR 800,000.
-
Other vehicles: between MVR 200,000 and MVR 500,000.
The existing law does not specify fees for such registration numbers and gives the ministry authority to determine them.
Vehicle insurance requirement
The new Act prohibits the use of a road vehicle without insurance and requires vehicles to be insured before they can be registered.
Although insurance was also required under the previous law, the new Act sets penalties for driving without insurance.
A person using an uninsured vehicle can be fined MVR 1,000, with a higher fine of up to MVR 3,000 provided for under the Act.
International driving permits and demerit points
The Ministry of Transport will have the authority to issue permits allowing Maldivian licence holders to drive in foreign countries.
Under the new system, holders of a Maldivian driving licence can obtain an international driving permit after meeting the required licensing conditions in the Maldives.
The Act also introduces a demerit point system for driving licences. The Maldives Police Service will be responsible for implementing the system, which must be introduced within two years of the Act coming into force.
A person who accumulates a prescribed number of demerit points may have their licence suspended or revoked for a specified period. The person may also be required to complete a driver education programme conducted by the Ministry of Transport.
Demerit points will be removed after two years if no further offenses are committed during that period. All points recorded on the license will then be cancelled.
