Demerit system to finally begin Tuesday

AFTER months of postponements, the Road Traffic Demerit Points System will come into effect on Tuesday.

This amendment to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act was made in 2017 to encourage safer and more responsible driving from the public.

It was initially reported to come into effect in September 2019. But in January 2020, Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan finally announced the system will be rolling out on March 2, 2020.

But on that day, he said it was postponed to April 2. He said the ministry was giving drivers a “bligh” to “get their affairs in order.”

Then, on March 31, Sinanan said it would be “put on pause” for two weeks. This time it was owing to the covid19 pandemic.

And last Wednesday, Sinanan and Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said it will finally be rolling out on May 26.

So how does the system work?

Drivers start with zero demerit points on their electronic record. Points are then added each time a driver commits offences such as speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and vehicle maintenance violations.

If a driver gains more than ten demerit points but less than 14 within three years, their permit can be suspended for six months.

But if the driver accumulates more than 14 points but less than 20 within the same three-year period, the permit will be suspended for one year, and for two years if it’s over 20 points.

The number of points that can be issued to a driver at any one time may vary from two to 14. It depends on the seriousness of the offence or the number of offences, ranging from having no TARE and MGW painted on the vehicle – which carries a penalty of two points – to causing death by dangerous driving, which is penalised with 14 points.

While no points are added for breaking the speed limit by under 10 km/h, drivers are reminded the offence still carries a fine of $1,000. Fines for breaking the limit at faster speeds range from $1,500-$3,000 and add between two to six points.

The unauthorised use of the Priority Bus Route carries a stiff penalty of six points and a $2,000 fine. Driving without an inspection sticker and certificate adds nine points and a $1,000 fine.

The points system will be supported by the UTurn software management system, which will allow the strikes against drivers to be recorded in a secure, digital platform that can be accessed on the field by the authorities.

The electronic devices that will be used by police will be able to directly transfer information on drivers to the Licensing Division of the Works and Transport Ministry.

The full list of fixed penalties and demerit points can be found on the Works and Transport Ministry’s website.