Several traffic fines were cut down under a new legal notice issued on December 31, 2025, after they were found to have surpassed limits set by the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act. The legal adjustment aimed to correct the fines that exceeded what the current laws allow. Despite this, the majority of traffic fines are still higher, maintaining the structure of increased penalties. The original increases, effective from the start of 2026, had set some fines above the maximum legal limits. While these specific fines have been adjusted, most traffic offences still carry higher penalties, increasing the overall costs for motorists. The sequence of events, characterized by sharp increases followed by partial reductions has sparked concerns about the legality of the initial increases, the procedure that allowed for over-limit fines to be published, and the unclear public communication about these changes. Critics argue that despite the necessary corrections, drivers are still paying more for most traffic offences. This comes amid wider concerns about rising government fees and penalties after the election, contributing to the increase in cost of living pressures.
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