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Demerit Points System

The proposed introduction of the demerit system will see certain traffic offences and traffic violations carrying prescribed demerit points in addition to other stipulated penalties. The proposed points to be allotted for every violation will be in keeping with international standards for similar types of offences. The points would range from two, which is generally the minimum, to 14, which is the maximum.

Where any of the prescribed offences are committed, the offender would be subject to the imposition of the penalties or fines stipulated in the legislation, along with the recording and endorsing of the stipulated number of demerit points in his record at the Licensing Authority.

Your demerit points will be expunged after two years. The Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2017, states:

“Where demerit points have been recorded against the driving permit record of a person and two continuous years have elapsed without additional demerit points being recorded, the demerit points recorded against that person’s driving permit record shall be expunged.”

Yes, there are. Where a ‘newly licensed driver’, meaning a person who is the holder of a driving permit for a period of twelve months or less from the date of issue, or a holder of a provisional permit accumulates seven or more demerit points within a period of 12 months from the date of issue of the driving permit or the provisional permit, they shall be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving permit for a period of one year.

Whereas, the following will apply in instances where a person holds a driving permit for more than 12 months and accumulates within a three-year period:

  • 10 or more, but less than 14 demerit points: The Licensing Authority shall disqualify that person from holding or obtaining a driving permit for a period of six months.
  • 14 or more, but less than 20 demerit points: The Licensing Authority shall disqualify that person from holding or obtaining a driving permit for a period of one year.
  • 20 or more demerit points: The Licensing Authority shall disqualify that person from holding or obtaining a driving permit for a period of two years.

Yes. In cases of appeals against convictions under subsection (1), no demerit points shall be recorded against the driving permit record of the person unless the conviction is confirmed on appeal. Section 83 Subsection (1) of the Act states: “Where a fixed penalty notice has been issued or affixed under section 81, the driver or owner of the vehicle, as the case may be, shall, unless he files a Notice to Contest, pay the fixed penalty within thirty days from the date that the fixed penalty notice was issued or affixed, or such longer period as the Minister may by Order prescribe.”

Yes. The Licensing Authority shall notify a person of its intention to disqualify pursuant to Section 88M(2) of the Act. Futhermore, the Licensing Authority is required to specify a period of not less than 14 days after the date of the notice where suspension will occur. At this time, the person is still given an opportunity to show just cause why he should not be disqualified. A person who is disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving permit under this section may, within 14 days of the receipt of the notice under subsection (4), appeal to a Court of competent jurisdiction against that decision and the decision of that Court shall be final.

Table of offences demerit points system

 

A guide to understanding the demerit points system

 

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