The Parliament of the Maldives has passed the amendment bill to the Land Transport Act, granting the option of enforcing community service for those who are unable to pay fines for traffic violations.
The amendment bill to the Land Transport Act was proposed by Parliamentarian Yasir Abdul Latheef. The bill was reviewed and passed with votes from 67 parliamentarians, with the amendments which were added during committee stage.
The bill grants Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) the power to seek fines imposed for traffic violations. The bill states MIRA can seek a court order to enforce community service for individuals who have fines over USD 650 and are unable to pay the fines.
The bill further mandates the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation to formulate the regulations of enforcing community service for traffic violations. The regulations must be published in the Government Gazette within 6 months after the act comes into effect.
The amendment bill stipulates a fine of USD 32 for the first speed violation, which must come with a warning of actions which will be taken upon multiple violations. The fine will increase to USD 48 for the second violation, while the third violation will lead to a fine of USD 65 and confiscation of the vehicle by the police for 15 days.
The bill has also increased the punishment given for injuring somebody by driving recklessly. In this regard, criminal charges can be pressed for such an offence, while Maldives Police Service (MPS) is granted the authority to seize the license of such an individual for a period of up to 5 years. The bill also mandates the formation of a six-member Road Safety Council to advise the ministry on the enforcement of the new act and the formulation of road safety standards and guidelines.
The bill will come into effect three months after ratification by the president.