A total of 57 people were issued with new infringement notices and penalties in Tongatapu for not wearing seatbelts, the use of mobile phones while driving and other offences between October 1-4. A total of 1,900 vehicles were stopped during this Tonga Police operation.

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Tevita Vailea said today, this operation is aimed at improving road safety in Tonga.

Of the 57 notices issued, 16 were for the failure to wear a seatbelt, 14 for speeding, seven for failure to show a driver’s licence, seven non-compliance with quarterly license of vehicle, four for unlicensed driving and two for driver causing loud music.

Other infringement notices issued included using a mobile phone while driving, giving police false information, non-essential lights from vehicle and refusal to take a breath test. 

“In total 1,900 vehicles were stopped. The level of compliance is high, and we thank the public for respecting the new traffic rules and keeping themselves and families safe on the road,” said the A/Deputy Vailea.

The Act introduced new offences and increase in penalties. This includes a legal requirement that all drivers and front seat passengers are to wear their seatbelt while on the road, and the prohibition of the use of a mobile phone while driving. 

A Blue Notice as part of the public awareness campaign by Police were issued to drivers throughout Tongatapu and the outer Islands with the intention of giving road users time to adapt to the new laws. 

Drivers and all front seat passengers must wear seat belts.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and the purpose and target of the Traffic Act is to save lives. There are concerns over the penalties, but we need to focus on the reason why the penalties were put up is to deter and to save lives.”

“In addition, we also need to change the mindset of people who only wear their seatbelt or follow traffic rules to avoid the Police. You wear your seatbelt because it is safe, and you follow the rules because it is safe. You have a responsibility as a driver for your own safety, the safety of your passengers as well as those on the road,” he said.

Another 12 people were issued infringement notices for traffic violations such as illegal parking, failure to have vehicle inspected and failure to install proper lights. 

Fines

Meanwhile, the penalties are:

• $1000 driving causing loud noise;
• $500 for not wearing a seatbelt;
• $500 driver holding a mobile phone, while driving;
• $300 failure to produce driver’s licence (first time offence);
• $500 for each subsequent offence of unlicensed driving;
• $300 providing false information to a police officer (first time offence);
• $500 for each subsequent offence, providing false information to a police officer.