The government of Mauritius has introduced stricter penalties for serious driving offences, which took effect at midnight on September 29. The new measures, announced by Minister of Transport Osman Mahomed and Minister of Technology Avinash Ramtohul, aim to enhance road safety. The revised regulations target high-risk offences, including driving without a licence, dangerous driving, and road rage. Motorists are urged to exercise caution to avoid the harsher consequences.
Under the new regulations, causing the death of a road user while driving without a licence carries a fine ranging from Rs 200,000 to Rs 500,000, alongside a maximum prison sentence of five years. Repeat offenders face even steeper penalties, with fines between Rs 500,000 and Rs 1 million, and a prison term ranging from 12 months to five years. These measures aim to deter reckless driving and promote responsible behaviour on the roads.
The new regulations also introduce stricter penalties for fatal incidents resulting from dangerous driving. The existing financial penalty has been doubled, with fines climbing from the previous range of Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000 to Rs 100,000 to Rs 250,000. The maximum prison sentence for such offences is capped at five years. Second-time offenders convicted of dangerous driving resulting in a fatality face even harsher consequences.
Motorists found guilty of “road rage” now face a maximum fine of up to Rs 500,000 and a prison term of up to 12 months. This new provision aims to address the growing concern of aggressive driving on Mauritian roads. The authorities hope that these stricter penalties will serve as a deterrent and reduce the incidence of road rage.
In addition to the punitive measures, the government announced key technological rollouts aimed at modernising administrative processes for motorists. Online payment of traffic fines will officially become available starting on October 30. This move is expected to simplify the process of settling fines and make it more convenient for motorists.
The Digital Driving Licence is scheduled to become fully operational on January 1, 2027. In the interim, drivers can already access the KOREK platform to verify their personal information. This digital reform aims to streamline administrative processes and make it easier for motorists to manage their driving licences.
The introduction of these tougher penalties and technological reforms demonstrates the government's commitment to enhancing road safety and modernising administrative processes in Mauritius. Motorists are advised to familiarise themselves with the new regulations and take necessary precautions to avoid the harsher consequences.
Key points
- The new regulations introduce significantly steeper fines and custodial sentences for high-risk offences, including driving without a licence, dangerous driving, and road rage.
- Online payment of traffic fines will become available starting on October 30, and the Digital Driving Licence will be fully operational on January 1, 2027.
- The authorities hope that the stricter penalties will serve as a deterrent and reduce the incidence of reckless driving and road rage on Mauritian roads.
