Information about New Road Traffic’s Implementation
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Beginning on February 1, the revised Road Traffic Act of 2018 and the Road Traffic Regulations of 2022 will be phased into effect.
In a statement released on Monday (January 30), the Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang stated that the law intends to improve road safety and regulation in Jamaica.
This is done while simultaneously maintaining the security of drivers, pedestrians, and other users of the road. Overall, the goal of the new law is to guarantee that both Jamaicans and foreigners arrive safely, him.
According to Minister Chang, the new Act will be accompanied by an improved computerized system for managing traffic citations, making it simpler for law enforcement officials to write penalties for moving violations.
45 Jamaicans had more than 500 unpaid traffic penalties as of December 2022, and 1,173 others had unpaid fines between 100 and 499.
“Drivers will find it simpler to keep track of their tickets and make on-time payments thanks to this improved system. The new regulation gives drivers 30 days instead of the former law’s 21 days to settle their tickets, he said.
More than a million traffic penalties issued before February 1, 2018, as well as all demerit points granted as of January 31, 2023, have been declared invalid by the government.
Additionally, 750 portable electronic traffic ticketing system printers have been purchased. These are being dispersed all across the island and will be functional starting on February 1.
The Act contains a number of provisions intended to improve road safety and discourage people from acting recklessly and irresponsibly.
Among them are harsher fines for disregarding traffic signs, making loud sounds in quiet areas, and without donning a safety helmet. and failing to stop at crosswalks for pedestrians.
The use of a portable gadget while driving will also be illegal.
Additionally, 750 portable electronic traffic ticketing system printers have been purchased. These are being dispersed all across the island and will be functional starting on February 1.
The Act contains a number of provisions intended to improve road safety and discourage people from acting recklessly and irresponsibly.
Among them are harsher fines for disregarding traffic signs, making loud sounds in quiet areas, and without donning a safety helmet. and failing to stop at crosswalks for pedestrians.
The use of a portable gadget while driving will also be illegal.
The new demerit system under the Act gives the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) the ability to suspend a driver’s license after accruing a predetermined amount of demerit points.
According to Dr. Chang, motorcycle accidents are the single leading cause of fatalities on Jamaican roadways, accounting for 30% of all fatalities in the previous two years.
In light of this, he stated that the new rule requires motorcyclists to complete the necessary training and certification before they are permitted to travel the nation’s highways.
“It will no longer be legal to ride a motorcycle with just a learner’s permit. The Minister stated that a rider must wear a protective helmet and that bike noise levels must not exceed the established limits. He also stated that the police would be collaborating with motorcyclists over the next three months to guarantee compliance.
However, according to Dr. Chang, drivers that demonstrate safe driving practices would be rewarded.
The points will expire and the record will be removed if, after 15 months, a motorist has acquired fewer demerit points than necessary for a suspension of their license.
Another clause will make sure that owners of motor vehicles are responsible for any violations made by people who are employed to drive them.
Additionally, this year will see the implementation of electronic monitoring and enforcement.
Inputs like JamaicaEye will be used in this operation to help keep the roadways orderly.
“The Government has heard the screams of many Jamaicans who have been hurt on our roads by careless driving. We will reinstate the rule of law, order, and decency on our roadways under this new law. We urge compliance and request the cooperation of all law-abiding residents for this new program, which aims to safeguard us all, added Dr. Chang.
The Minister urges drivers who still owe fines to pay them by January 31, 2023, emphasizing that cases for individuals who have missed their scheduled court hearing will be decided by the courts.
People are instructed to email customerservice@cad.gov.jm with any unresolved ticket outcomes in cases where the courts have set up a system to offer help.
