Zimbabwe Set To Introduce Demerit Points System For Repeat Traffic Offenders

Motorists who repeatedly break traffic laws could eventually lose their driving licences under a proposed demerit points system.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona told Parliament that the Government is working on legislation to introduce the system.

The proposed framework is intended to identify habitual offenders and prevent them from remaining on the roads despite repeatedly violating traffic regulations.

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Demerit Threshold Could Cancel Licences

According to The Herald, under the planned system, motorists would accumulate penalty points for traffic offences.

Drivers who reach a prescribed threshold could have their licences cancelled.

Minister Mhona said the Transport Ministry is currently examining the legal framework needed to establish the system.

He said the move is being driven by the continued loss of lives in road crashes.

The minister expressed concern that some motorists continue driving despite being involved in repeated accidents.

Courts Already Have Cancellation Powers

Zimbabwean courts already have the authority to cancel a driver’s licence in serious cases.

Mhona said magistrates and judges can take such action where a motorist is found to have driven recklessly and put other road users at serious risk.

However, the proposed system would introduce a more structured approach to dealing with drivers who repeatedly commit offences.

Instead of waiting for a serious crash or individual court decision, repeat violations could gradually push a motorist towards losing their licence.

Government To Consult The Public

The proposed legislation has not yet been tabled in Parliament.

Mhona said the ministry will first consult relevant stakeholders before bringing the Bill before legislators.

Public hearings will also be conducted to allow citizens and other interested parties to contribute to the proposed law.

The minister said the process would support President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for stronger measures to address road carnage.

He urged stakeholders across the transport sector to work together in developing legislation capable of improving road safety.

System Targets Habitual Offenders

The proposed changes are aimed particularly at motorists who continue to break traffic rules despite previous offences.

Mhona said the Government wants to create a system that provides consequences before reckless driving results in further loss of life.

Once the legal framework is completed and consultations are concluded, the proposed Act will be brought before Parliament for consideration.

The introduction of a formal demerit system would mark a significant change in how Zimbabwe deals with persistent traffic offenders.

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