Handing over control of a moving vehicle to an unlicensed person, a child or a passenger has been made an offence under the new Land Transport Act.

The law imposes a fine of MVR 25,000 to MVR 50,000 for the offence, depending on its severity. If the act causes injury, the fine increases to MVR 50,000 to MVR 100,000.

If the incident results in a death, the offender may also face criminal charges under the Penal Code.

The offender’s driving licence may also be revoked for two to five years, during which they will lose the right to hold a driving licence.