Mauritius is about to overhaul how it punishes dangerous and careless driving. The Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill (No. XV of 2026), tabled by Minister of Land Transport Osman Mahomed with an explanatory memorandum dated 28 August 2026, sharpens penalties across the board and creates new offences that will touch almost every driver on the island.

Here is what stands out.

Fines That Now Reach Rs 1 Million

The heaviest measure targets a new offence: causing the death of another person while driving without a valid driver's licence, provisional licence or international permit.

A first conviction carries a fine of Rs 200,000 to Rs 500,000 and up to five years in prison. A second or subsequent conviction pushes the fine to between Rs 500,000 and Rs 1 million, with 12 months to eight years behind bars. Either way, the person is barred from holding a licence in Mauritius for at least five years.

Penalties for existing serious offences also climb. Death caused by dangerous driving, reckless driving under the influence, and street racing all see their fine ranges and minimum driving bans increased, in some cases doubled.

A Quick Look at the Key Penalties

Your Car Can Now Be Seized

One of the bill's biggest changes lets police take possession of a vehicle on the spot in drink and drug driving cases. This applies when a breath, blood or urine test exceeds the legal limit, when a drug test comes back positive, or when a driver refuses to provide samples and the officer has reasonable grounds to suspect impairment.

The vehicle is driven to a safe location, placed under seal and held until the police commissioner orders its release. Getting it back is not cheap. The bill sets a Rs 2,000 charge for every 24-hour period, a Rs 5,000 non-refundable application fee and a Rs 10,000 release fee, with towing costs on top. Break the seals and you face a further Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000 fine and up to two years in prison. State and emergency vehicles are exempt.

An unclaimed vehicle can be sold at public auction after three months.

Road Rage Becomes a Named Offence

The bill creates a specific "road rage" offence carrying a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000 and up to 12 months in prison.

It covers a wide range of conduct: assaulting or threatening another road user, abusive or insulting language, jumping onto or forcing open someone's vehicle, and deliberately blocking a road through gatherings, barricades or a parked vehicle. Notably, an incident that starts on the road but ends on private property still counts.

Phones, Mufflers and Digital Licences

Everyday offences are covered too. Using a hand-held phone or interactive device while driving carries a Rs 3,000 fixed penalty, and the definition is broad, stretching to laptops, tablets and even portable game consoles. A modified muffler that increases exhaust noise draws Rs 10,000.

On the administrative side, the bill introduces a digital driving licence, an electronic version drivers can present in place of a photocopy. It also allows online payment of certain fixed-penalty fines within 28 days, though offences that carry penalty points are excluded.

When Does It Take Effect

Not immediately. The bill will come into force on a date set by proclamation, and different provisions may be brought in at different times. In other words, the rules are coming, but the exact timing is still to be confirmed.

Drive Smart, Stay Covered

Rules like these are a reminder that the cost of a moment's carelessness has risen sharply. Staying on the right side of them comes down to the basics: a properly licensed driver, a roadworthy vehicle and the right insurance in place.

If you are buying or selling,AutoCloud.mu brings vehicles, insurance and finance together in one place, so getting on the road legally and confidently is a little simpler. The fines are going up. The smartest move is making sure they never apply to you.