Police Record 663 Traffic Violations as Penalty Point System Begins Nationwide

Police have issued a total of 663 fines during the inaugural week of the newly implemented penalty point system “permis à points“, as motorists across the country struggle to adjust to the stricter road safety regulations.

The first seven days of the scheme saw 104 drivers and passengers sanctioned for failing to wear seatbelts in four-wheeled vehicles, marking it as the most frequent offence recorded under the new points regime.

Key Traffic Offences

According to official police data, the crackdown focused on a variety of dangerous driving behaviours.

Speeding remained a significant issue, with 53 fines issued for exceeding the limit by 15 to 25 km/h. Other top offences included:

• Traffic Light Violations: 43 cases.
• Mobile Phone Use: 36 cases, placing it in the “Top 5” most common infractions.
• Illegal Overtaking: 32 instances of crossing a continuous white line.

Authorities also noted a persistent disregard for safety gear, penalising 30 individuals for riding without helmets and four motorcyclists for failing to wear reflective vests at night.

Additionally, four cases involved the illegal transport of young children on motorcycles.

Vehicle Safety and Road Discipline

Maintenance and lane discipline also drew police attention. Statistics reveal that 14 motorists were fined for driving with defective or extinguished headlights, while eight were caught with worn tyres.

Further infractions included:

• Dual Carriageway Misuse: 13 fines.
• Extreme Speeding: 4 drivers exceeded the limit by more than 25 km/h.
• Directional Errors: 3 cases of driving the wrong way down a one-way street and 3 cases of failing to use indicators.

How the System Works

Under the new regulations, there are 33 types of offences that can lead to a deduction of points. Penalties range in severity from two to ten points, depending on the gravity of the infraction.

Maximum Penalties: The most severe sanction is reserved for participating in illegal rallies, which carries a penalty of between eight and ten points.

The threshold for losing a driving entitlement depends on the type of permit held. A “learner” (provisional) permit holder is allowed a maximum of 10 points, while a fully licensed driver has a limit of 15 points.

Source: Le Mauricien