Police to gain powers to boot and tow vehicles over unpaid traffic fines

A bill submitted to Parliament would grant police the power to immobilize and seize vehicles whose owners have accumulated more than MVR 5,000 in unpaid traffic fines.

The Road Traffic Bill introduced by the government as a comprehensive overhaul of the existing Road Traffic Act consolidates all regulations governing road use and vehicle standards.

It is the first piece of legislation to outline such provisions in detail.

Under the proposed law, if fines for violations exceed MVR 5,000, police will be authorized to “boot” the vehicle involved until the outstanding amount is paid.

Booting refers to attaching an electromechanical device with a trackable code to a wheel or other part of a parked vehicle to prevent it from being moved.

If the fine remains unpaid after 72 hours, the vehicle may be taken into police custody. It will be returned only after the fine is settled or a payment plan is agreed. 

The new bill also reintroduces towing powers for unpaid fines and outlines the circumstances under which vehicles may be seized, including:

● Illegally parked vehicles

● Other situations specified in regulations made under the Act

If a seized vehicle is not claimed within one month, police must publish its details in the gazette and provide the owner with a 60-day grace period.

If the vehicle remains unclaimed after that time, police may destroy or auction it.

All revenue generated from fees, fines and vehicle auctions under the law must be deposited into the Consolidated Revenue Fund in line with the Finance Act.

The draft law introduces fines for illegal parking:

● MVR 250 for each instance of illegal parking

● MVR 1,000 for parking on a zebra crossing

● MVR 750 for parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities

Demerit points will be recorded against vehicles for such violations.

A separate licence demerit system is also outlined in the bill. Drivers who accumulate the number of demerit points specified in upcoming regulations will be required to complete an education programme, and their licence may be suspended until they pass the programme.