Land Transport Regulation bans smoking in vehicles

Police monitoring traffic in capital city Malé | Photo: Nishan Ali

Malé, Maldives – The newly gazetted Land Transport Regulation (Regulation No. R-131/2021) has banned smoking in vehicles effective today.

Article 4 of the Land Transport Regulation states that the driver and passengers may not smoke in a vehicle.

Prohibited devices include cigarettes, bidis, suttas, shisha, vape, electronic cigarettes, and all other smoking devices.

Land Transport Regulation (Regulation No. R-131/2021)

In addition, Article 13 (b) of the Land Transport Regulation states that the use of headsets while driving and speaking on the phone through the assistance of passengers is prohibited. Article 13 (a) of the same regulation bans holding smartphones and other communication devices while driving.

The newly publicized Land Transport Regulation also prohibits loud music in vehicles.

The regulation was brought into effect effective today under the Land Transport Act (Law No. 5/2009). Individuals who violate the terms of the regulation will be fined.