New Land Transport Act Introduces Heavier Penalties for Dangerous Driving

The newly ratified Land Transport Act introduces significant penalties for dangerous and negligent driving, including fines of up to MVR 500,000 when such offences result in injury.

The Act, ratified by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on August 31, 2026, establishes dangerous or negligent driving as an offence and sets fines ranging from MVR 25,000 to MVR 100,000 depending on the severity of the offence. If the offence results in injury to another person, the fine increases to between MVR 100,000 and MVR 500,000. The law also allows for criminal charges to be brought under the Penal Code in such cases.

Under Article 102 of the Act, individuals convicted of such offences may also have their driving licences revoked for between five and 10 years. Those who commit the offence without holding a licence may be prohibited from obtaining one for the same period. Following the expiry of the disqualification period, a licence may only be issued after specified conditions are met and the individual completes an awareness programme conducted by the relevant authority.

The Act also criminalises actions that facilitate dangerous driving. This includes allowing a passenger sitting in the passenger seat to take control of the vehicle. Such an offence carries a fine of between MVR 25,000 and MVR 50,000, while the fine increases to between MVR 50,000 and MVR 100,000 if the act results in injury.

The legislation also prohibits handing control of a vehicle to an unlicensed person or a minor, with penalties depending on the circumstances and severity of the offence.

The Land Transport Act was passed by the People’s Majlis on August 26 and ratified by President Muizzu on August 31. According to the President’s Office, the Act will come into force 30 days after its ratification and publication in the Government Gazette, at which point the existing Land Transport Act (Act No. 5/2009) and the Maldives Pedestrian Act (Act No. 70/78) will be repealed.