Regional updates on driver demerit points and road safety systems

Various regions are implementing or refining demerit points systems to regulate driver behavior and improve road safety.

In Sri Lanka, Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake announced a new structured demerit points system. Under this framework, motorists will face driving licence suspension once they accumulate 30 demerit points. The initiative aims to move beyond simple fines by tracking repeat offenders to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities.

In Hong Kong, the government reported that 229 taxi driver offences have been recorded under a demerit points system that took effect in September 2024. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan noted that over half of these offences, totaling 125 cases, involved the refusal of hire. Three drivers have already been disqualified from driving taxis for three months after incurring 15 or more points.