Road Traffic: Penalty Points to Launch 30 January Amid District Court Chaos

The long-awaited penalty points system for Mauritian motorists is set to be introduced “tentatively” on Friday, 30 January, Transport Minister Osman Mahomed has confirmed.

The announcement follows days of mounting frustration and “misinformation” at District Courts, where drivers have faced long queues and conflicting instructions.

Addressing concerns over the new Road Traffic Act 2025, Mr Mahomed clarified that the new system will not be applied retrospectively.

“For the moment, no points will be counted,” the Minister stated, adding that authorities are working to ensure police and judicial IT systems are fully synchronised and operational by the end of the month.

Chaos in the Courts

The clarification comes after chaotic scenes at Curepipe District Court on 14 and 15 January.

Motorists attempting to pay fines dating back to late 2025 were reportedly turned away by cashiers and redirected to information desks for “registration procedures.”

Court staff allegedly demanded original driving licences, claiming registration was required for future point deductions—even for offences dating as far back as 2019.

This resulted in endless queues and significant public distress, with many citizens sacrificing working days to navigate the confusion.

“Unauthorised” Procedures

Both the Judiciary and the Police have distanced themselves from the actions of court staff.

Shehu Balaram, Acting Deputy Chief Registrar, confirmed that no official circular had been issued authorised such procedures.

“No court officer has the right to transmit orders or information that has not been officially communicated,” Mr Balaram said, urging the public to report such “excesses” to the Master & Registrar Office.

ASP Suhail Lidialam of the Police Press Office echoed these sentiments, confirming that the Prosecutor’s Office had issued no such instructions and that the matter is being investigated.

The Shift to Digital

Road safety expert Barlen Munusami, warned that the public was being “badly advised.”

He noted that until the full implementation of the 2025 Act, all offences would continue to be processed under the existing Cumulative Road Traffic Offense system.

Once the 30 January rollout begins:

• No physical counterparts: The traditional Driving Licence Counterpart will be scrapped.
• Digital Integration: The system will be fully digitised via the “Korek” application.
• Public Access: Motorists will be able to view their accumulated points on Penalty Points Certificates via the “Mokloud” digital platform.

While parts of the Road Traffic Act 2025 regarding drink-driving and dangerous driving have been in effect since 1 January, the specific article regarding penalty points awaits official proclamation.

Source: Defi Media