The People’s Majlis has passed to amend the constitution so as to authorize the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) to seek court orders to mandate individuals who have had their traffic fines surpass MVR 10,000 to settle the duty through community service instead.

During Tuesday’s sitting, 62 members voted on passing the report publicized by the People’s Majlis Committee on National Security and Heritage regarding amendments to the country’s Land Transport Act.

The report seeks to grant MIRA the authority to seek court orders on individuals who have had their traffic fines surpass MVR 10,000, to opt for paying it through community service instead.

In addition, the report also seeks to impose fines on individuals who cross the speed limit as stipulated under the act.

First-time offenders will be fined by MVR 500 and repeat offenders will be fined MVR 750 which will follow confiscation of their license for 48 hours.

If required, licenses will be withheld for more than 48 hours as well, under a court order.

Further, those who breach the law for over three times will be slapped with a MVR 1,000 fine and their vehicles will be taken into police custody for 15 days.

The report notes that criminal charges will be raised against those who cause accidents that cause bodily injury to others. Depending on the extent of injury, licenses will be withheld for a period lasting between six months and five years.