Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has amended the regulation on land vehicle licenses, introducing a points system to penalise traffic violations.
As per the new regulation, each license will carry 100 credit points at the time of issue. The regulation states credit points will be deducted for each violation of the regulations formed under the Land Transport Act, including parking and speeding violations. The license will become void when it runs out of credit points. In such cases, the license holder will only be eligible for a new license after 180 days, once they retake the theoretical and driving exams as per the process for all new licenses.
The regulation further states reckless driving that leads to the loss of a life will result in a deduction of 75 credit points from the license. Meanwhile, physical injuries from reckless driving will result in deduction of 50 points.
Furthermore, the regulation states failure to comply with traffic lights and road signs will result in a 10-point deduction after more than two violations. Meanwhile, each parking violation will carry a 5-point deduction.
The regulation further states licenses can be suspended for 48 hours if an individual violates the speed limit multiple times. Licenses can also be withheld for a period of 7 days for the purpose of investigation in case of an accident. The regulation also states an individual found driving while their license is suspended will be subjected to a fine, in addition to having their vehicle towed.
The new regulation on land vehicle licenses is in effect from July 15 onwards.