The new regulations on road safety, known as ‘construction and use of motor vehicle’, will partly come into force on August 1.

However, according to a source at the National Transport Authority (NTA), the change of number plates will not be applied immediately as there was a delay in the delivery of some 370,000 number plates ordered by the NTA.

A moratorium has been scheduled to give motorists enough time to conform to the new regulations.

The new law, which will consist of 124 regulations, aims to reduce the number of road accidents. The Mauritius Police Force has already launched an awareness campaign to inform motorists on the new law.

According to new regulations, rear passengers will now also have to wear seatbelts, failing which they will have pay fines up to Rs 10,000.

Also, vehicles will have to bear white front number plates and yellow rear number plates with the numbers written in black.

Vehicles will require a fire extinguisher on board which should be kept near the driver.

Neither cellular phones nor hands-free kits will be allowed while driving. Onboard televisions will have to be placed out of the sight of the driver.

Taxi drivers will have to pay a hefty fine if they carry more passengers than allowed, between four and seven depending on the size of the vehicle.

Buses will need to be equipped with ventilation systems comprising a minimum of six exhaust fans. Air-conditioned buses will have to be equipped with two electric fans to be used in case the air-conditioner system breaks down.

Buses weighing more than 3.5 tonnes and capable of speeds exceeding 70 km/h will have to install speed limiters. Several changes concerning fuel, tyres, rear view mirrors and horn will also be implemented.

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