19 Drivers Lose Licences in Mauritius Drink and Drug Crackdown
Police suspended 19 driving licences over one weekend under new Road Traffic Act rules that allow immediate action against impaired drivers.
Nineteen drivers had their licences suspended in Mauritius last weekend after police from the Traffic Branch caught 18 motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and one driving under the influence of drugs.
The crackdown comes just days after the government approved new regulations that give authorities faster tools to deal with impaired driving. The Cabinet approved the Road Traffic (Prescribed Forms) Regulations 2026 on the Friday immediately before the operation, tightening the enforcement process under the Road Traffic Act, the main law governing roads and vehicles in Mauritius.
Under the new rules, a police officer must bring a suspected impaired driver before a magistrate as soon as the driver has physically recovered from the effects of alcohol or drugs. The magistrate can then order a driving ban, which typically runs from two to six months, depending on the nature of the case and the procedure initiated by police using an official form.
Drivers who are found guilty in court also face financial penalties. A first offence carries a fine of between Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000. Those who reoffend face fines of between Rs 50,000 and Rs 75,000, and both categories of offenders risk a prison sentence.
What this means: Before these regulations came into force, the process for suspending a licence following an impaired driving arrest could take longer, giving offenders more time on the road before any ban took effect. The new rules close that gap by requiring police to act through a magistrate promptly, making suspension faster and more certain. For everyday road users, this signals a more aggressive enforcement stance from authorities. For drivers, the message is clear: being caught behind the wheel while impaired now leads to swift licence loss and significant fines, not just a delayed court process.
The operation also reflects a broader push by Mauritian authorities to reduce road accidents linked to alcohol and drug consumption. Road safety remains a serious concern on the island, where fatal crashes are regularly linked to impaired driving.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you are caught drink driving in Mauritius?β
Under the Road Traffic (Prescribed Forms) Regulations 2026, your licence can be suspended immediately by a magistrate once you have sobered up. If convicted in court, a first offence carries a fine of Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000, and you risk a prison sentence. Repeat offenders face fines of Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000.
How long can a driving ban last in Mauritius for drink or drug driving?β
A magistrate can order a driving ban of generally two to six months for impaired driving offences in Mauritius, depending on the procedure initiated by the Traffic Branch of the Mauritius Police Force.
Which Mauritius authority enforces drink driving laws?β
The Traffic Branch of the Mauritius Police Force is responsible for stopping and arresting impaired drivers. Cases are then referred to a magistrate under the Road Traffic Act for licence suspension and potential prosecution.
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