Government Threatens 5-Year Jail Terms for Illegal Quad Bike Road Users

The government has announced a major crackdown on the illegal use of quad bikes on public roads, warning that offenders face massive fines of up to Rs 100,000 and maximum prison sentences of five years.

Transport Minister Osman Mahomed launched the offensive on Monday, 18 May, reiterating that it is entirely unlawful to drive these vehicles on public highways.

The decisive move follows a serious outbreak of public disorder in the village of Camp-Thorel on Sunday afternoon, 17 May, which forced the deployment of multiple specialist police units.

Emergency Response to Violence

Speaking to Radio Plus, Minister Mahomed confirmed that immediate steps are being taken to enforce the law following Sunday’s unrest.

The violence erupted when an altercation broke out between a group of quad bike riders from Rose-Hill and local residents of Camp-Thorel.

The confrontation escalated so rapidly that regular police required emergency reinforcement from the Special Supporting Unit (SSU), the Special Mobile Force (SMF), and the Groupe d’Intervention de la Police Mauricienne (GIPM) to restore public order.

Import Restrictions Looming

In addition to stricter roadside policing, the government is moving to tackle the root cause of the issue by cutting off the supply of the vehicles.

Minister Mahomed revealed he has held urgent discussions with the Minister of Commerce to establish tighter frameworks around the importation of quad bikes, noting that the number of these vehicles on Mauritian roads has been rising relentlessly.

“I have had the opportunity to speak with my colleague, the Minister of Commerce, regarding the importation of quad bikes,” Minister Mahomed stated. “He is going to take the matter in hand and look into how to control imports, because there are too many quad bikes on our roads these days. If we continue down this path, we will have too many problems with this situation.”

Source: Defi Media