Fourth Amendment to the Land Transport Act

On 31 August 2020, the Fourth Amendment to the Land Transport Act was published, introducing the formation of a road safety council, changes to the fine schedules, and other key changes as summarised below.

 
Road Safety Council

The Act requires the formation of a ‘Road Safety Council’, which will be responsible for advising the Ministry on land transport policies. The Road Safety Council will also be responsible for consulting the relevant island, or city council prior to providing municipal services in that island or region.

 
Ministry to Formulate Mechanism to Dispute Fines Under the Act

The Ministry has the discretion to review and provide relief from fines levied under this Act. The fine relief mechanism must be established within 90 days from ratification of the Act.

 
MIRA to Collect Fines Under the Act

The Act empowers the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (“MIRA”) to collect all fines levied under the Land Transport Act and recover such dues to the state by filing a civil suit against any person who fails to pay their fine.

The Act further empowers the MIRA to request the court to grant an order of community service against persons who fail to pay their fine, provided such fine exceeds MVR 10,000.

 
Effective Date

The Amendment is effective from 1 December 2020.