Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has introduced new regulations requiring four-wheelers to be registered only after providing proof of a valid garage where the vehicle will be kept.

According to the ministry, the new rule aims to enforce proper registration procedures and prevent unregulated vehicle registrations. The authenticity of the garage will be verified by ministry officials through on-site inspections based on submitted documents.

The change has already led to a significant drop in the number of four-wheelers registered in Malé. Data from the ministry shows that four-wheeler registrations declined by 74.1 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year.

The move reverses a policy introduced under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, which allowed taxis to be registered without a garage by paying MVR 10,000. This policy led to an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads, worsening traffic congestion.

After President Dr Mohamed Muizzu took office, the rule was amended based on the advice of the Attorney General, making it mandatory for taxis to have a designated garage before registration.

The Transport Ministry stated that the new regulations have already helped reduce the number of parked vehicles on the streets and improved traffic conditions in Malé. The ministry emphasised that the rule ensures vehicle registration aligns with legal requirements while easing congestion in the capital.