Illegal Street Racing in Mauritius Now Fined Up to Rs 100,000

Illegal street racing in Mauritius is now a far more expensive offence. Starting from midnight, drivers caught participating in unauthorised road races face fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000 — a dramatic increase from the previous penalty of just Rs 1,000, which critics had long argued was too low to deter offenders. The announcement was made by Osman Mahomed, the minister responsible for land transport, who confirmed the new measures are now in force. The sharp hike in penalties signals a tougher stance by the government on a practice that has been blamed for endangering lives on public roads. **Legal racing is still possible — but there's a process** The minister was quick to clarify that the new rules are not a blanket ban on motorsport or organised racing events. Members of the public who wish to hold a rally or a road race can still do so legally, provided they follow the correct procedures. This involves obtaining prior permission from two bodies: the Mauritius Police Force and the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit (TMSRU), which operates under the Ministry of Land Transport. Both approvals must be secured before any event can take place on public roads. The TMSRU is the government unit tasked with overseeing road safety policy and traffic regulation across Mauritius. Without its sign-off — alongside police clearance — any racing activity on public roads would be considered illegal and subject to the new, much heavier fines. **What this means** For years, illegal street racing — often held late at night on quieter stretches of road — has been a persistent road safety concern in Mauritius. The previous Rs 1,000 fine was widely seen as little more than a slap on the wrist, doing little to discourage participants. The new penalties bring the consequences in line with the seriousness of the risk posed. A fine of up to Rs 100,000 is significant enough to act as a real deterrent, particularly for younger drivers who have historically been associated with the practice. For motorsport enthusiasts and car clubs, the message is clear: organise through official channels or face steep consequences. Applying for permission through the police and the TMSRU gives organisers a lawful route to hold events while ensuring appropriate safety measures are in place. Road safety advocates are likely to welcome the move, especially as it follows a series of recent traffic-related legislative changes in Mauritius, including crackdowns on drink driving and modified exhausts. Source: ION News