Gov’t Amends Regulations on Noisy Vehicles 

The government has revised regulations to authorise the police to seize vehicles fitted with modified silencers that produce loud and disruptive noise for a period of up to one month.

This action follows the introduction of stringent road safety regulations by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, prompted by a fatal accident last week involving a sports car and a motorcycle in Hulhumale’.

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The President, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, has instructed all relevant institutions to implement eight stringent measures to ensure road safety.

Maldives Police Service statistics have revealed that 1,907 accidents have been reported so far in 2024, marking an increase of 431 cases… pic.twitter.com/vNfoFoJd4i— MV+ (@mvplusmedia) September 7, 2024

In response, Muizzu has announced a series of new measures, including the revocation of permits issued by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) for racing and drifting in Hulhumale’. A key element of these measures is a ban on modifications that amplify vehicle noise.

Amendments to the Road Traffic Act stipulate that any vehicle confiscated for having a modified silencer that causes excessive noise or public disturbance will only be returned once the modification has been rectified. If the owner fails to comply with the notice to correct the silencer, they must restore it to its original condition within 15 days.

The regulations also state that if a silencer or horn is modified in a way that causes public alarm, the police will reverse the modification 30 days after the vehicle’s seizure.

The move comes amid growing public complaints about the lack of enforcement against vehicles with modified silencers in Male’.