Drink or Drug Driving in Mauritius? Police Can Seize Your Licence on the Spot

Drivers caught under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Mauritius now face the immediate seizure of their driving licence — effective from midnight — according to a statement by MP Osman Mahomed. The announcement confirms one of the toughest new enforcement measures introduced under Mauritius's recently strengthened road traffic legislation, which came into force at midnight. **What the rule means in practice** Under the new provisions, police officers do not need to wait for a court process before removing a driver's licence. If a driver fails a breathalyser test or is found to be driving under the influence of drugs, the licence can be confiscated on the spot — immediately and without warning. This is a significant departure from previous practice, where penalties were typically processed through the courts before a licence was formally suspended. **Who is Osman Mahomed?** Osman Mahomed is a Member of the National Assembly (Mauritius's parliament) and has been a vocal advocate for road safety reform. He has previously spoken out on issues including mobile phone use while driving and the behaviour of trade unions in the transport sector. **Why this matters** Road safety has been a serious concern in Mauritius for years. The island regularly records fatalities and serious injuries from road accidents, with alcohol and drug impairment cited as contributing factors in a significant number of cases. The new on-the-spot seizure power is designed to act as a real-time deterrent — removing a dangerous driver from the road immediately rather than allowing them to continue driving pending a court date. **Part of a wider crackdown** The licence seizure rule is part of a broader package of road traffic law reforms that also include steep fines for offences such as illegal street racing (up to Rs 100,000), road rage (up to Rs 500,000), modified exhausts (Rs 10,000), and mobile phone use while driving. Most of these measures took effect simultaneously at midnight. Together, the reforms represent one of the most sweeping overhauls of Mauritius's road traffic enforcement framework in recent memory. **What this means for drivers** If you drive in Mauritius — whether you are a resident, an expat, or a tourist with a rental car — the message is clear: driving under the influence now carries an immediate, on-the-spot consequence. You will not be allowed to drive away. Your licence will be taken from you at the roadside. Alcohol limits and drug-testing procedures are enforced by the Mauritius Police Force. Drivers who believe a seizure was unlawful retain the right to challenge it through the courts. Source: Le Defi Media