Tough laws for motorists

Among others, the bill seeks to increase the existing fines; introduce minimum fines and new fines such as the demerit point system; provide for the flagging of vehicles that have pending matters with the police and installation of devices to detect traffic offences. The bill was gazetted last week.

It empowers the director of road transport services to suspend or revoke a driving licence, a provisional driving licence, driving instructor's permit or provisional driving permit for any person who appears by any reason to be unfit; has reached the prescribed demerit point limit; or is unfit to hold a driving instructor's certificate.