President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified a new Land Transport Act aimed at modernising the regulation and management of land transport in the Maldives.
The Bill was passed by the Parliament at its 28th sitting of the second session of 2026 on 26 August. President Muizzu ratified the legislation at a ceremony at the President’s Office.
The Act establishes rules governing vehicle registration, driving, stopping, parking and vehicle use, while setting standards for vehicle operators and public transport services.
It also introduces penalties and procedures for violations of the law and related regulations.
The legislation designates the Greater Malé Area as a “Registration and Traffic Management Controlled Zone” in response to transport and mobility challenges linked to its high population density.
It also provides for the establishment of a Greater Malé Transport and Mobility Office for three years to oversee the organisation, management and delivery of land transport services in the area.
A National Road Safety Council will also be established to advise on road safety matters, while a dedicated fund will support the development and modernisation of the country’s land transport system.
The new Act will come into force 30 days after its ratification and publication in the Government Gazette.
Once it takes effect, it will repeal the existing Land Transport Act of 2009 and the Maldives Pedestrian Act of 1978.