Drivers, Take Note: Drunk Driving Fine Now Up to $45,000 — Major Penalty Hikes for Unlicensed, Overloaded, and Unregulated Vehicles
Motorists nationwide are being warned to brace for a major enforcement push as the Government introduces steep increases to several road traffic fines. The updated penalties—many of which have doubled—target drunk driving, unlicensed motorists, overloaded vehicles, and drivers who fail to meet mandatory legal requirements.
The most dramatic change affects drunk driving: first-time offenders will now pay $24,000, while repeat offenders face fines as high as $45,000.
Drivers operating vehicles without a licence will now face a $1,500 penalty, while those who have never been licensed, were refused a permit, or were disqualified can be fined up to $3,000.
Vehicle owners who miss the statutory deadlines for transferring ownership of used cars will also feel the squeeze. Missing the seven-day window now carries a $400 fine (up from $200), and failing to transfer within 14 days rises from $5,000 to $6,000.
Commercial drivers and operators are under increased scrutiny as well. Goods vehicles, taxis, rental cars, and trailers caught exceeding passenger or weight limits will now face a $12,000 charge. Other penalties have risen for failing to produce a driver’s permit when asked and for ignoring weighbridge directions—now costing $750.
Additional fee hikes were introduced under Section 61A and related legislation. Under Clause 11 of the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third-Party Risks) Act, fines will increase for motorists driving without mandatory insurance, for fraudulently obtaining insurance certificates, or for issuing certificates containing false information.
Clause 12 introduces harsher penalties under the Maxi Taxi Act, targeting both operators driving without a valid permit and employers hiring unlicensed maxi-taxi drivers.
Officials say the increases are intended to improve public safety, curb dangerous driving, and ensure road regulations reflect modern enforcement standards.
Summary of Increased Penalties
1. Transfer of Used Vehicles
•Failure to transfer within 7 days: $200 → $400
•Failure to transfer within 14 days: $5,000 → $6,000
2. Overloading Vehicles
•Goods vehicles, taxis, rentals, trailers: $12,000 fine
3. Driving Without a Permit
•Without a valid licence: $750 → $1,500
•Never licensed / refused / disqualified: up to $3,000
4. Failure to Produce Permit
•Higher penalties now applied under Section 61A
5. Drunk Driving
•First offence: $12,000 → $24,000
•Subsequent offences: $22,500 → $45,000
6. Careless Driving
•$1,000 → $2,000
7. Ignoring Weighbridge Instructions
•$400 → $750
8. Taxi Documentation
•Increased charges for replacement permits, badges, and licence copies
Clause 11 – Motor Vehicles Insurance Act
•Higher fines for no insurance, fraudulent certificates, or false information
Clause 12 – Maxi Taxi Act
•Larger penalties for operating without a valid permit
•Fines for hiring unlicensed maxi-taxi drivers
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