Amendment proposed for MIRA to claim against unpaid traffic fines

It has been proposed to amend the Land Transportation Act of Maldives to authorize the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority to reduce parking violation fees and claim against those who have not paid the fines for traffic violations.

A bill by Kulhudhuffushi MP Yaasir Abdul Latheef has proposed several amendments to the act. These include reducing the fees for parking violations to MVR 250 per violation.

The law currently stated that a fine of MVR 250 on the first violation, rising to MVR 500 and later MVR 750 on the second and third violations.

Over speeding can also be fined with MVR 1000 for the first time, and MVR 1500 and MVR 2000 on the second and third occasions. The vehicle can also be taken impounded by the authorities for 15 days.

The bill also recommends a system to receive complaints regarding such cases to be established in the Transport Ministry. Considering the complaints, the Ministry has the discretion to reduce or nullify such fines.

The proposed amendments also state that MIRA can bring claims against anyone who has not paid the fines which will be seen as a financial debt owed to the state by the individual.

An amendment to allow those with licenses of accepted countries to drive in the Maldives for 90 days is also included. The list of such countries is yet to be formed by the Ministry. The Ministry will also have the discretion to allow a permanent license for those with licenses from the countries on the yet to be formed list without any examinations.