Transport Ministry has stated that they will begin fining offenders of the new helmet regulation in April.

The regulation, to be implemented on March 10, was publicized in the government gazette on Thursday.

People on two-wheeled vehicles (classes A1 and A0) are required to wear helmets while travelling on roads that allow speeds of more than 30 kilometers per hour.

Helmets need to have chin straps or protection and need to be free of any paint or solvent other than from the original manufacturer.

First time offenders will be fined MVR 500, second time offenders will be fined MVR 750, and fined MVR 1,000 for each offense afterwards.

Transport Ministry is giving out 5,000 helmets for free and has on Thursday distributed 300 of the helmets at an event on Thursday.

The Ministry will be giving out 2,500 helmets for the Male’ region, 500 for children, and the remaining 2,000 helmets will be given to residents of Laamu and Addu cities.