Minister Mahomed explains revised penalty points system for mobile phone use while driving

As from midnight today, a stricter penalty point regime for the use of handheld mobile phones while driving has taken effect, with demerit points increased from 3 to 6 to 5 to 10, while the fixed fine remains unchanged at Rs 3,000.

This announcement was made this afternoon during a press conference chaired by the Minister of Land Transport, Mr Osman Mahomed, in Port Louis. The Superintendent of Police, Mr G. Veerasamy, and the Director of the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit, Mr Harvindradas Sungker, were also in attendance.

Minister Mahomed highlighted a significant rise in the number of vehicles in Mauritius, rising from 465,052 as at 31 December 2024 to 761,061 as at 31 May 2026, representing a 63% increase.

He said this rapid expansion of the vehicle fleet is contributing to higher pollution levels, traffic congestion, road accidents, road rage, and an increased import bill, reflecting a broader global trend in motorisation.

Speaking about enforcement, the Minister noted that 17% of penalty point offences are linked to mobile phone use while driving. He stressed that handheld phone use remains a major source of driver distraction, significantly reducing attention on the road and increasing the risk of serious and sometimes fatal collisions. He further indicated that where offenders contest such offences in court and subsequently lose their appeal, the penalty points may be doubled as part of the deterrent system.

Mr Mahomed further clarified that the penalty point system applies strictly to handheld devices. Hands-free systems, including Bluetooth connectivity, integrated vehicle systems, headphones, and earphones, are not included under the penalty point framework, although their use remains subject to existing legal provisions with fines of up to Rs 10,000.

The reform applies to all drivers, including those of cars and motorcycles, and forms part of broader efforts to change driving behaviour and strengthen road safety outcomes across Mauritius, he added.

10 June 2026

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Topics: Road Safety