A new Road Traffic Bill has been introduced in the Parliament to curb illegal driving and address traffic congestion in the Male’ area.
The bill, introduced by Member of Parliament Mohamed Shamin Habeeb on behalf of the government, proposes the enactment of a new law to allow a comprehensive overhaul of road traffic laws. This includes formulating a national road transport strategy and establishing a seven-member Road Safety and Traffic Management Advisory Committee. It also includes issuing international driving permits as well as recognising valid foreign licences from countries party to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. It further defines the responsibilities of traffic police and the policies on illegally parked vehicles.
The bill imposes strict penalties for reckless driving, with jail terms of upto 20 years for fatalities, 10 to 15 years for serious injuries, and 5 to 10 years for minor injuries. In such instances, licenses will be revoked and reissued only after sentences are served.
Other offences covered include allowing underage and unlicensed individuals to drive, improperly transferring vehicle control, driving sold vehicles without updating the ownership, driving with revoked registrations, using vehicles that have unpaid dues and fees, and operating vehicles that fail worthiness requirements.
The bill mandates regulations to be published within six months of enactment. The bill was accepted with the unanimous approval of all members present.