Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck has urged Jamaicans who have outstanding tickets to pay them quickly, before the new regulations under the Road Traffic Act are implemented, and warned them that warrants will be issued and licences denied renewal.

Chuck was speaking at the commissioning ceremony for justices of the peace (JPs) in St Ann yesterday (December 1).

“Yes, warrants will be issued. Yes, you won’t be able to renew your driver’s licence because it will be put against your driver’s licence,” stated Chuck.

He added that the tickets will also be attached to the vehicle, meaning unless theys are paid, the vehicle cannot be driven by anyone, even if that person does not have any outstanding tickets.

“I say to persons who get tickets, if you don’t think you [should have gotten] that ticket, go plead not guilty. But if you got the ticket properly, make sure you use the online [app] and pay it online,” he stressed.

“At the end of the day, for persons who fail to pay within a given time, there will be significant consequences,” warned the minister.

Motorists who pay quickly might receive empathy

Chuck also noted that drivers who have outstanding tickets, if they act quickly to pay, might receive some empathy.

“To the extent that they pay, there could be some empathy, because you have paid up. But those who fail to pay, whenever that cut off date is, you shouldn’t be on the road. You won’t be on the road,” he stated sternly.

“If you pay up quickly, it demonstrates your willingness to at least admit your wrongdoing and there may be some form of empathy,” Chuck added.

The minister stated that it was time for Jamaica to act and protect the lives of its citizens and noted that, if the issue of lawlessness is not addressed, there will be chaos in the country.

Another plea was also made by the minister to drivers, asking them to act with caution while they are on the road, and respect those who are going about their lawful business.

“We have to send a signal to drivers all across Jamaica. Even if you don’t care about your life, even if you don’t care about your limbs, even if you don’t care about your convenience, respect others on the road who are going about their lawful business,” stated Chuck.

The amendments to the new Road Traffic Act were tabled in Parliament on February 1, 2022 by Transport and Mining Minister Audley Shaw. The Government has since been urging motorists to pay their ticket fees and obey the law, warning of severe consequences if they fail to comply.

So far, there has been no official date given as to when the regulations will become effective.

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