Previously, vehicles were released upon clearance of penalties and outstanding fines.
The amendments brought to the regulations under the Road Traffic Act state that vehicles towed for illegal parking will now only be returned to their owners after 48 hours from the time of towing.
Previously, vehicles were released upon clearance of penalties and outstanding fines.
Further amendments specify that vehicles towed for other traffic offenses will face longer impoundment periods:
- If a person without a valid license is driving the vehicle, it will be seized for 15 days
- Vehicles stopped for speeding will also be seized for 15 days
- For cases involving dangerous or reckless driving, the vehicle will be held for 30 days before being returned to its owner.
These measure follows President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's introduction of strict road safety regulations after a fatal accident last week, in which a sports car collided with a motorcycle in Hulhumale'. In response, President Muizzu announced stringent actions, including revoking permits previously issued by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) for racing and drifting in Hulhumale'.