Law introducing hefty fines for stopping on highway without reasonable cause comes into effect

Amendments to the Land Transport Act came into effect on Thursday, introducing a strict prohibition on stopping or parking on highways except in cases of emergencies or force majeure with substantial fines for violations while granting the police with expanded enforcement powers.

Under the amended law, the Police are empowered to issue fines to drivers who violate the provisions, deduct demerit points from driving licences, and seize or tow vehicles. Under the regulations that took effect on Thursday, stopping or parking on a highway without a valid cause will result in an initial fine of MVR 1,000. A second offence will carry a fine of MVR 2,000, while a third offence will carry a fine of MVR 4,000, alongside recorded demerit points.

For each subsequent offence, the applicable fine will double from the previous penalty, while the vehicle will be towed and placed in police custody for 30 days.

The amended law also authorizes the Police to immobilize vehicles using wheel clamps, or boots, when outstanding traffic fines exceed MVR 5,000. If the outstanding fines are not paid within 72 hours of a vehicle being clamped, the Police may tow the vehicle. The law further permits the auctioning of a towed vehicle if its owner fails to claim it within 30 days. However, any vehicle towed erroneously must be returned to its owner within 24 hours.

In addition, the Police may suspend or withhold a driver’s license through internal procedures or by court order when unpaid fees and fines reach or exceed MVR 5,000. In cases involving a temporary licence suspension, a temporary driving permit valid for 48 hours may be issued.

Penalties for driving without a valid licence have also been revised. A first offence will carry a fine of MVR 1,000, followed by MVR 1,500 for a second offence and MVR 2,000 for a third offence. In the case of a third offence, the vehicle owner will also be fined MVR 2,000, while the vehicle will be impounded for 30 days. Allowing an unlicensed individual or a minor to operate a vehicle will carry fines ranging from MVR 25,000 to MVR 50,000.

Where reckless or dangerous driving results in bodily injury, the amended law provides for fines ranging from MVR 100,000 to MVR 500,000.

The stricter measures are being implemented in areas including the bridge and highway, where  a high number of high-speed driving and accidents are recorded. Common violations in these areas include exceeding the 60 km/h speed limit, dangerous overtaking from the left, and unauthorised lane changes. Other frequently reported violations include failing to wear or properly secure helmets, motorcycles entering lanes designated for cars, using mobile phones while driving, and driving under the influence or while excessively fatigued.

Proposed measures to address such dangerous driving practices include the introduction of automated speed cameras to issue fines, increasing the presence of traffic police along highways, immediately suspending licenses and impounding vehicles belonging to violators, and improving the visibility of lane barriers and traffic signs.