Drivers in Fiji holding provisional licenses could soon encounter more stringent requirements for obtaining full licenses, should the Land Transport (Amendment) Act 2025 be approved by Parliament. Introduced by Attorney-General Graham Leung, the proposed adjustments aim to enhance road safety through improved education, stricter penalties, and the use of technology.
The amendments are based on a thorough review that recorded over 49,000 traffic infringements among Class 2 provisional license holders from August 2021 to October 2024, with noticeable peaks in violations occurring in 2022. Although compliance improved in subsequent years, the review also identified 27 road accidents from 2018 to 2023, attributing these incidents to dangerous behaviors like speeding, driver fatigue, and improper overtaking.
A key proposal within the amendment is granting discretionary powers to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) regarding the issuance of full licenses. Currently, the existing law mandates that provisional license holders are granted a full license after two years. However, the amendment would allow the LTA to evaluate whether a driver meets appropriate standards before being issued a full license.
The broader aim of this legislative change is to foster a culture of safer driving practices in Fiji. Last year, road fatalities decreased from 78 in 2023 to 54 in 2024. Yet, about 20% of these fatalities were linked to speeding or careless actions by provisional drivers, underscoring the necessity for enhanced driver education and more stringent regulations.
Prior articles have previously highlighted the LTA’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards reckless driving, which has already led to numerous license revocations and ongoing educational initiatives aimed at fostering responsible driving among all drivers. The anticipated changes set forth by the Bill align with these ongoing efforts, promoting accountability and aiming to significantly reduce traffic incidents.
As this Bill progresses through Parliament, there is an optimistic sentiment surrounding its potential to improve road safety, subsequently enhancing the overall quality of life across Fiji for all road users. The introduction of stricter regulations and a more nuanced approach to driver licensing represents a hopeful step towards fostering a safer driving environment throughout the nation.
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