The Act states that failure to adhere to Section 85 of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act is a ticketable offense of up to $250. The new regulation supersedes the previous $1000 fine.
The Ministry of Infrastructure has clarified the changes made to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.
According to a press release issued Tuesday, the changes to the regulations make the failure to immediately produce "a driver's license, permit, or other driver's identification document, certificate of registration, or registration document for examination by a traffic officer" a ticketable offense not exceeding $250.
"By publication of Statutory Instrument (SI) 46 of May 2015, violation of Section 85 in the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act has been made a ticketable offense. The fine that this offense now attracts will not exceed $250 as opposed to the previous $1000," the release stated.
Executive Assistant to the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Silas Wilson, explained that "the amendment to the regulations has resulted in it being less onerous on the driver" as the new "regulations have superseded the $1000 fine."
Previously, failure to comply with a request from a traffic officer to produce driver's license and registration documents for examination within a 48 hour period resulted in a fine not exceeding $1000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months.
The changes to the regulations "became necessary because the previous mechanism of 48 hours was being exploited and was proving to be unreliable as persons were being dishonest by not providing factual information about their identity," the release explained.
It added that "the changes to the regulations should be viewed by citizens as positive attempts by the government to ensure [road] safety."
Other ticketable offenses include: failure to display the license number assigned on registration in the prescribed manner; failing to pay annual motor vehicle or trailer license when it becomes due; operating a motor vehicle in a condition that is not road worthy; failing to display a registration and licensing sticker; using a motor vehicle or trailer with a number other than the license number assigned on registration; driving a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license or permit; unlawfully parking a motor vehicle in a public omnibus stand; non-compliance with traffic control devices and directions; speeding, littering, improper parking; riding a motorcycle without a helmet or protective headgear; failing to fit seat belts in a motor vehicle; and failing to wear seat belts when riding in the front seat of a vehicle.
For the full press release, download the attached PDF.