On Wednesday, Parliament approved the Land Transport Bill, which will levy a MVR 100 fine for unlawful road crossings.

The legislation, proposed by PNC Kurendhoo MP Mohamed Shamin Habeeb representing the government, was approved with 47 votes for and 12 opposed.

According to Article 46 of the legislation, the Ministry is required to establish the regulations and guidelines that pedestrians need to adhere to while utilizing the roadway. These rules will outline how pedestrians are to utilize the roadway, the situations in which the roadway can be used in place of the pavement, the guidelines for crossing the street, and additional mandates to guarantee pedestrian safety.

Article 131 specifies that people who jaywalk against these regulations will incur a penalty of MVR 100.

The legislation further indicates that the Act will exclude military vehicles utilized for military functions from the date it is enacted. Nevertheless, military vehicles need to be driven in a way that prioritizes the safety of civilians and other road users.

The legislation that passed on Wednesday will take effect after it obtains presidential approval. The law will take effect 30 days following the President's approval.