33 Drivers Fined Rs 3,000 for Phone Use at the Wheel in Mauritius
Mauritius traffic police caught 33 drivers using mobile phones while driving over one weekend, issuing fixed fines and docking licence points.
Mauritius traffic police booked 33 drivers for using a mobile phone at the wheel over a single weekend, the Traffic Branch confirmed. The offences were detected on the Saturday and Sunday of the most recent weekend, with each driver caught in the act and issued an on-the-spot penalty.
Each offender received a fixed penalty notice of Rs 3,000, which must be paid within 28 days of the date the infringement was recorded. Failure to pay within that window can lead to further legal proceedings.
Beyond the fine, all 33 drivers face a deduction of between 5 and 10 points from their driving licence under Mauritius's demerit points system.
What this means for drivers in Mauritius: The island operates a points-based licence system where every standard driving licence starts with a capital of 15 points, while a provisional licence starts with 10 points. These points are valid over a rolling period of 36 months. Losing 5 to 10 points in a single offence is a significant blow, particularly for provisional licence holders who could lose their entire allocation in just two incidents. If a driver's points reach zero, their licence can be suspended or revoked. The system is designed to change behaviour by making repeated offences progressively more costly, not just financially but in terms of the right to drive.
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is widely recognised as one of the leading causes of road accidents. Distracted driving reduces reaction time and significantly increases the risk of a collision, even at low speeds.
The Traffic Branch crackdown signals continued enforcement pressure on this specific offence. Drivers are reminded that even briefly glancing at a phone screen, composing a message or accepting a call without a hands-free kit can result in an immediate fine and loss of points.
For those who have already accumulated demerit points from previous offences, a further deduction of this size could push their total dangerously close to, or beyond, the threshold that triggers a licence review.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fine for using a mobile phone while driving in Mauritius?β
Drivers caught using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel in Mauritius receive a fixed penalty of Rs 3,000, which must be paid within 28 days of the offence. They also lose between 5 and 10 points from their driving licence.
How does the demerit points system work in Mauritius?β
In Mauritius, a standard driving licence carries a starting capital of 15 points, while a provisional licence carries 10 points. Points are deducted when traffic offences are committed, and the balance is calculated over a 36-month rolling period. If a driver's points fall to zero, their licence can be suspended or revoked.
Which authority enforces traffic laws in Mauritius?β
The Traffic Branch of the Mauritius Police Force is responsible for enforcing road traffic laws, including mobile phone use at the wheel, speeding and other moving offences across the island.
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