New Land Transport Act, which introduces substantial fines for violations, comes into effect

The new Land Transport Act has officially come into effect.

Under this legislation, the Greater Male’ Transport and Mobility Office has been established to plan and manage all aspects of the land transport system in the capital region. Furthermore, the Act mandates the creation of a 'Land Transport Mobility Fund' to facilitate the planning and implementation of transportation initiatives within the Greater Male’ area.

Furthermore, a multiple ownership fee will be levied for maintaining the registration of each additional vehicle if the total number of motorized land vehicles registered under an individual or a legal entity exceeds two. Additionally, the registration of any land vehicle will be automatically canceled once it reaches 20 years of age.

The legislation introduces higher annual fees for certain categories of vehicles and mandates a substantial fee for those opting for personalized license plates. Furthermore, it strictly prohibits operating a vehicle without insurance, establishing specific fines and penalties for such violations.

Under the land transport regulations, driving a vehicle in a reckless or dangerous manner is an offense punishable by a fine ranging from MVR 25,000 to MVR 100,000. Furthermore, if such an act results in bodily harm to an individual, the penalty is a fine between MVR 100,000 and MVR 500,000. It is also noted that criminal charges may be pursued in such cases.

Any individual operating a motor vehicle who hands over control to a minor, an unlicensed person, or a passenger shall be subject to a fine ranging between MVR 25,000 and MVR 50,000.

Furthermore, the law stipulates that if the total fines incurred for illegal parking reach 5,000 Rufiyaa or more, traffic police are authorized to wheel-clamp the vehicle in question until the outstanding balance is settled in full.

The proposed amendments also include the establishment of fines for road safety violations that do not currently have specific penalties prescribed by law. Under these regulations, individuals found crossing the street illegally will be subject to a fine of MVR 100.

Furthermore, the law mandates the formulation of a National Land Transport Strategy to facilitate the efficient management of the land transport system. It also stipulates that the primary responsibility for administering this system shall rest with the relevant transport ministry, and that a Road Safety and Traffic Management Advisory Committee must be established to provide guidance to the ministry.