Majlis passes Land Transport Bill introducing new pedestrian safety measures

The People’s Majlis has passed the Land Transport Bill, establishing a new legal framework for regulating road use and strengthening safety standards for pedestrians and other road users across the Maldives.

The government-sponsored bill was approved during today’s parliamentary sitting, with 47 members voting in favour and 12 voting against. The legislation was introduced on behalf of the government by Kurendhoo constituency MP Mohamed Shamin Habib of the PNC.

One of the measures included in the bill is a MVR 100 fine for pedestrians who cross roads in violation of legally established procedures.

Under Section 46 of the legislation, the relevant Ministry will be required to formulate regulations and standards governing pedestrian behaviour and the use of roads. The regulations will cover appropriate use of sidewalks, situations in which pedestrians may use areas designated for vehicles, procedures for safely crossing roads and other requirements aimed at protecting pedestrians and maintaining road safety.

Section 131 establishes the MVR 100 penalty for individuals who fail to comply with the prescribed road-crossing procedures.

The new framework is intended to bring greater clarity to pedestrian and road-use rules while encouraging safer behaviour on increasingly busy roads, particularly in urban areas where pedestrians, motorcycles and vehicles share limited road space.

The bill also sets out specific provisions concerning military vehicles. Once enacted, the law will not apply to military vehicles when they are being used for military purposes.

However, the legislation makes clear that military vehicles must still be operated in a manner that protects the safety of the public and other road users.

Strengthening the country’s transport framework

The passage of the bill marks a step towards establishing a more comprehensive regulatory framework for land transport in the Maldives.

By setting clear standards for pedestrian movement and road usage, the legislation is expected to support more orderly use of public roads and provide authorities with a clearer legal basis for addressing unsafe practices.

The bill’s passage comes as the government continues efforts to improve transport infrastructure, road safety and mobility across the country, with clearer rules intended to complement ongoing development of the Maldives’ road and transport networks.

Following its approval by Parliament, the legislation will proceed through the remaining constitutional process before taking effect as law.