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During this festive period, marked by the Christmas and New Year celebrations, drivers and partygoers are strongly advised to avoid alcoholic beverages while driving. We must realize that the consequences are serious and that the penalties are heavy. Maurice, who to date has 121 dead, does not want to end up with new victims on his hands.
In addition to the 10,000 men from different units of the police force mobilized during this festivities, the Speed Cameras, there are the fines which have become more severe and the prison terms higher.
From now on, the authorities are determined to apply the hard line to track down recalcitrant, irresponsible drivers, those crazy behind the wheel… who do not want to hear anything. All this in order to ensure the safety of citizens and road users.
Taking into account the more severe fines, even draconian, which are in force from October 1, 2018. This by virtue of the amendments which have been made to the Road Traffic Act, accompanied by awareness campaigns, the authorities reiterate their call for vigilance drivers (cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) and other road users.
Regarding the alcohol level in the blood, it is prescribed that the permissible alcohol limit is established as follows: (a) 20 milligrams per 100 ml in the blood; (b) 9 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath and (c) 27 milligrams of alcohol per 100 ml of urine.
Regarding motorcyclists, the new legal provisions are also more drastic (see below)
The fines relating to the various offenses can be categorized as follows:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- 1st offense under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the offender is liable to fines ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 and a prison term not exceeding 5 years.
- 2nd offense under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the offender is liable to fines in the range of Rs 50,000 to 75,000 and imprisonment between 1 and 8 years
In addition to measures against drinking and driving, the government is advocating harsher penalties for other traffic offenses, including speeding, drugs and dangerous driving.
The fine imposed for speeding more than 25 km / hour above the speed limit will be increased from Rs 2,500 to Rs 10,000. Likewise, fines for driving in a state of inadmissibility, driving without a license and «authorizing a person prohibited from driving by reason of age to drive», will go from Rs 10,000 to Rs 100,000.
Last, but not least, after three cumulative offenses, one Cumulative Road Traffic Notice will be issued, informing the driver that if he is found guilty for two more cumulative offenses, his driver’s license will be suspended for a period of 6 to 12 months.
Thus, a zero tolerance policy will be applied with regard to drink driving and the police will be equipped with more mobile speed cameras.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve festivities: beware of drunk driving!
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