Driver Improvement Points

Police will shortly begin implementing the Driver Improvement Points system, passed in Parliament last Thursday. This introduces the accumulation of points for committing various traffic offences which would result in drivers having their driving licenses suspended for up to a year.

“The mode of implanting the system will be finalized soon,” Police spokesman SP Ajith Rohana said.

Even though the long term plan is to introduce a computerised system, a form will used initially to mark points after each detected traffic offence. Fines and other punitive actions against those who break traffic rules will continue to be imposed, along with the point system.

These regulations apply to all holders of a Regular Driving License or an Instructor’s License.

Under the regulations, a person holding a Regular Driving License who accumulates between 18 and 23 driver improvement points within a period of 24 months will be served a warning by the Commissioner–general of Motor Traffic while those who exceed 23 points will have the license suspended for a year. The offences that carry the highest number of points include failure to stop after an accident on a highway, failure to report an accident to the nearest police station as well as driving a vehicle the condition of which is likely to cause danger or harm to people, property or other vehicles. These all earn 10 points.

Driving a motor vehicle on a highway recklessly or in a dangerous manner or at a dangerous speed will earn eight points as well as driving a motor vehicle on a highway negligently.