This story by RNZ is republished with permission
A swathe of new road safety measures – including the compulsory wearing of seatbelts – has been signed into law in Tonga.
Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka’uta
It is now illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, or to use a car without a registration plate.
Children must also be seated when a vehicle is in motion, and they can no longer sit on the driver’s lap.
Playing loud music, extreme tinting and the addition of blinking, colourful or distracting lights have also been prohibited.
The new laws will be published on the Crown Law website on Friday, with police beginning compliance checks that day.
The Ministry of Infrastructure says the laws will make Tonga’s public roads safer.
It says 2018 was the deadliest year on the roads in 10 years, with a total of 21 deaths.
“The Traffic Act 2020 and the Roads Act 2020 have long been discussed and consulted on with the public and by the government during its passage through the legislative assembly,” the Ministry of Infrastructure said.
Shops to have cash registers
Meanwhile a separate bill has been passed requiring all shops in Tonga to have a cash register.
The Legislative Assembly unanimously approved the bill touted as helping collect tax revenue and ensure consumer protection.
The Minister of Inland Revenue and Customs, Tevita Lavemaau, said the bill provided a mandate to instruct all businesses to provide a cash register for recording sales data.
