Gov’t considers implementing demerit point system for driving violation

The government has proposed a traffic violation demerit point system, modeled after those in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Portugal, which will revoke the Macau driving license of drivers who accumulate 18 or more points.

The government submitted last Tuesday a revised draft of the Road Traffic Law amendment bill to the Legislative Assembly (AL), modifying the previous proposal to introduce a demerit point system specifically for road traffic offenses.

The First Standing Committee held a meeting yesterday to discuss the bill.

“There are opinions in society calling for a system to effectively improve drivers’ attitudes and deter frequent traffic violators. In response to these demands and enforcement needs, the government has referenced systems from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Portugal,” said Ella Lei, head of the First Standing Committee, during the meeting.

The revised text introduces a demerit point system aimed at enhancing drivers’ awareness of road traffic compliance and addressing preventive needs.

Additionally, drivers who frequently violate traffic regulations will have their qualifications subject to ongoing assessment.”

She cited the government’s initial proposal, which outlined that the point system would assign different points based on the severity of each traffic violation, with points recorded in a designated account.

“For example, I currently have zero points. However, if I commit a violation, the authorities will establish a personal driver’s record and assign points to me. Under this demerit point system, violations are categorized into three levels based on their nature and severity. Criminal offenses, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotic substances, would receive four to five points,” Lei explained.

“Minor violations, like having a blood alcohol concentration between 0.8 and 1.2, running a red light, and severe speeding, would receive two to three points. Administrative violations, such as disobeying law enforcement orders, would be assigned one point,” the lawmaker added.

The authorities, as quoted by Lei, emphasized that all drivers, regardless of their residency, are subject to the same rules and regulations, with Lei stating that the new system applies not just to people who live in Macau but also to drivers from other regions who have valid driving licenses recognized in Macau.

The proposal does not indicate that illegal parking will result in point additions; instead, the government underlined that points are not an additional penalty but an automatic record reflecting confirmed violations, according to Lei.

Concurrently, the government proposes to introduce a zero-tolerance system, under which points will automatically expire two years after being recorded. Additionally, driving improvement courses will be established to help reduce points.

“The first stage involves categorizing points based on the total accumulated. Drivers with six to 12 points may voluntarily enroll in a course, and upon completion, three points will be deducted. Drivers with 13 to 17 points must enroll in a mandatory course within 90 days of notification, and upon completion, two points will be deducted. If a driver accumulates 18 points or more, or fails to complete the mandatory driving improvement course without a valid reason, they may face revocation of their driving license or have their license declared invalid,” Lei stated.

The bill proposes that such courses be self-funded, with an initial recommendation of eight hours. The specific course outline, rules, and fees will be determined by the Chief Executive through an executive order.