What you need to know about the new penalty points system in Mauritius

Mauritius has officially introduced a penalty points system for road traffic offences, marking one of the most significant changes to local road safety enforcement in recent years. The system is part of a broader Zero Fot Zero Pwin Zero Traka campaign and is designed to discourage repeat offences by linking unsafe driving behaviour directly to a driver’s licence status.

Here is a clear, practical breakdown of how the system works and what it means for motorists.

What is the penalty points system

Under the new framework, specific traffic offences now carry penalty points in addition to fines. These points are recorded against the driver’s licence and accumulate over time. Once a driver reaches a defined threshold, further sanctions can apply, including licence suspension.

In total, 33 road traffic offences fall under the penalty points system, with points ranging from 2 to 10 depending on the severity of the offence.

How penalty points are allocated

Offences are grouped by seriousness, with higher risk behaviour attracting more points.

Lower range offences carry between 2 and 4 points. These include common issues such as not wearing a seatbelt, failing to wear a helmet or high visibility clothing on a motorcycle or autocycle, driving without lights at night, minor speeding offences between 15 and 25 km per hour over the limit, ignoring traffic signs or signals, and poor lane discipline.

Mid range offences generally attract between 3 and 6 points. These include using a handheld mobile phone while driving, failing to give way when entering a main road, driving the wrong way on a one way street, carrying passengers unsafely in pickup vehicles, overtaking dangerously near pedestrian crossings, and exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 km per hour.

The most serious offence on the list carries between 8 and 10 points. This applies to taking part in unauthorised road races or speed trials on public roads, which is now treated as a high risk, high impact offence.

Why this matters for everyday drivers

Unlike a once off fine that is quickly forgotten, penalty points build a long term record of driving behaviour. A driver who repeatedly commits smaller offences can now face consequences similar to those who commit one serious offence.

This approach mirrors systems used in countries such as the UK and parts of Europe, where penalty points have proven effective at reducing repeat violations and improving overall road discipline.

For Mauritian drivers, this means everyday habits matter more than ever. Speeding slightly too often, skipping a seatbelt, or ignoring road markings can now add up over time.

What happens if you accumulate too many points

While the full operational thresholds are detailed in the Road Traffic Amendment Act 2025, the principle is straightforward. Accumulating excessive points can lead to licence suspension or other administrative penalties. This creates a strong incentive to correct behaviour early rather than risk losing the ability to drive altogether.

What drivers should do now

The introduction of the penalty points system is a good moment for motorists to reassess their driving habits. Simple actions such as respecting speed limits, avoiding mobile phone use, wearing proper safety gear, and being more patient at junctions can make a real difference.

If you are buying or selling a vehicle, this shift also reinforces the importance of roadworthy cars, proper lighting, legal tyres, and compliant modifications. On AutoCloud.mu, many listings now highlight safety features and compliance details, which is becoming increasingly relevant as enforcement tightens.

A shift towards accountability on Mauritian roads

The penalty points system represents a move away from reactive enforcement towards long term accountability. It is not just about punishment, but about encouraging safer, more consistent driving behaviour across the island.

As Mauritius continues to modernise its transport policies, staying informed is key. Whether you are a daily commuter, a weekend driver, or managing a fleet, understanding how penalty points work can help you avoid unnecessary penalties and contribute to safer roads for everyone.

For more local driving guides, road safety updates, and vehicle insights, keep an eye on AutoCloud.mu and stay ahead of changes that affect Mauritian motorists.