Driver penalty points system expected by year's end
Initially to apply only to newly qualified drivers
Newly qualified drivers face penalty points or even a re-test for traffic offences committed within three years of obtaining their licence under new regulations just published by the government.
The regulations will be brought into effect by a notice in the Government Gazette.
Under the new regulations, published recently in the Gazette, newly qualified drivers would be given a three-year provisional licence which could be withdrawn if 12 penalty points are accumulated within the probationary period.
The regulations lay down that penalty points will be recorded on the driving licence for traffic offences. A minimum of three points would be deducted for each infringement, some offences carry a maximum of 11 penalty points.
However, Transport Minister Censu Galea said that not all the planned comprehensive regulations governing driving licences would be introduced immediately. The penalty points system is expected to be introduced before the end of the year as soon as the proper administration system is in place. But this would apply initially only to newly qualified drivers.
The regulations stipulate, for example, that between five and 10 points would be deducted for failing to stop after an accident. Using a vehicle with defective brakes, steering or tyres will cost three points. Drink driving, reckless driving or causing death by dangerous driving can cost between three and 11 points, while using a vehicle without insurance will cost a driver between six and eight points.
Using a mobile phone while driving, wearing head phones, playing loud music or driving without a seat belt will amount to a three to six points penalty.
An offender who does not contest the fine will have the minimum number of points deducted. In the case of those opting to face a tribunal or court, it is the magistrate or Commissioner of Justice who decides the number of penalty points to be deducted.
Anyone who loses a licence will be required to re-take the test, while those who do not accumulate 12 points during the probationary period would be issued with a licence valid for 10 years.
Mr Galea said the penalty points system would, for the time being, apply only to new drivers.
"The aim of the regulations is to improve driving standards on the roads. Statistics show that the major tragedies involve new drivers. Considering that there are some 255,000 people with a driving licence, it would be also difficult to introduce such a system to regulate everybody at once. A gradual introduction would be more effective and easier to implement," he said.
The regulations also deal with the driving test, which states that prospective drivers have to first pass a theory test before being given a learner's permit.
The prospective driver would then have to undergo and pass a test of skills and behaviour before being given a probationary licence.