The new Land Transport Act introduces stricter penalties for traffic offences and establishes a new authority to oversee transport and mobility in Greater Malé.

Under the law, the Greater Malé Transport and Mobility Office will be established under the relevant ministry. The office will oversee vehicle registration limits, traffic management and transport policies in the capital region.

A Land Transport Mobility Fund will also be established, funded through vehicle registration and licensing fees, annual vehicle fees, fines and allocations from the state budget.

The law makes driving an unsafe or poorly maintained vehicle an offence, punishable by a fine of MVR 25,000 to MVR 100,000. If the offence causes injury, the fine can range from MVR 100,000 to MVR 500,000, with possible criminal charges.

The law also allows traffic police to tow vehicles linked to unpaid fines of MVR 5,000 or more. Owners will have 72 hours to settle the fines before the vehicle is taken into police custody.

Vehicles that remain unclaimed for a month may be publicly auctioned or disposed of, according to the law.

The legislation also sets a MVR 100 fine for obstructing roads in violation of regulations.