Africa-Press – Rwanda. A new traffic bill could put drivers at risk of a year-long ban under the proposed “Demerit Point System.” The proposed infractions to be considered will carry penalty points, with deductions applied throughout the year.
The system is designed to ensure fairness for all licensed drivers, with each starting out with 15 points, in addition to the usual fines for violations.
The penalty points will range from a maximum of six to a minimum of two, depending on the severity of the offense. Once all points are deducted, the driver will be prohibited from driving until the time ban is over, according to the Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore. He said during a meeting with the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security on September 30.
The draft law is under review to address gaps identified in Law No. 34/1987 of September 17, 1987. Among the missing provisions are those concerning the use of drugs or narcotics while driving, as well as the regulation of driver training programs and driving schools.
It also seeks to introduce clearer provisions on how driving tests should be conducted and the use of technology in traffic management. This includes the use of devices to measure blood alcohol levels, the installation of cameras to monitor speed limits, and the management of driving licenses through a points-based system.
Minister Gasore explained that the first set of 10 infractions includes escaping after causing a road accident (6 points), driving a vehicle with a disconnected speed governor (5 points), driving without a compulsory speed governor (5 points), driving under the influence of alcohol above the legal limit (4 points), driving under the influence of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances (4 points).
Driving while deprived of the right to drive (3 points), overspeeding for instance exceeding the indicated speed limit by 20 km/h) (3 points), running a red light (3 points), driving without insurance coverage (2 points), and using a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving (2 points).
“Everyone will start the year with 15 marks. As one commits any of the aforementioned offences, marks will be deducted accordingly. Once they reach zero, there will be a temporary ban on using their driving licence, and they will have to wait for the new year to start again,” he explained.
“This will help reduce some of the reckless driving offences. It seems like fines alone haven’t taught them any lessons,” he added.
Gasore emphasised that the deduction of marks will not replace fines. Instead, both will be applied simultaneously.
“Before the bill is passed, there will be a ‘dry run’ period and awareness campaigns. During this time, the system will be in effect so that people get used to it; however, licences will still remain valid until full implementation takes place,” he noted.
“We shall have comprehensive awareness so that everyone is informed, and once someone commits an offence, it will not be as if they didn’t know,” he added.
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