Demerit point system to take effect October 1, drivers urged to pay outstanding tickets

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has announced that the implementation of the demerit point system for traffic violators will take effect on October 1.

Speaking on Thursday at a press briefing, Vaz said the demerit point system will strengthen efforts to reduce traffic violations, improve driver accountability, and save lives on Jamaica's roads.

“It is no secret that existing on our roads, we have several drivers with hundreds of tickets outstanding who have not had their licences suspended and are the main perpetrators of reckless and lawless behaviour on our roads,” he said.

Under the Road Traffic Act 2018 and the Road Traffic Regulations 2022, the accumulation of traffic tickets for various offences, including speeding, will result in demerit points being added to a driver's licence.

If a driver accumulates demerit points above a certain threshold, his or her driver's licence may be suspended or the driver may be required to pay a fine.

After 15 months, if a driver has accumulated fewer demerit points than are required for a licence suspension, the points will expire, and the record will be cleared.

Vaz stressed that the demerit point system is not a punitive measure but a road safety tool designed to encourage responsible driving.

He said motorists who pay their outstanding traffic tickets and become compliant on or before September 30, 2026, will not be adversely affected by the system.

“This period provides an opportunity to regularise records, settle outstanding tickets, and ensure compliance with the law,” he said.

He noted that there are currently 1.1 million outstanding traffic tickets, along with another 118,000 that have been issued in recent times.

“From October 1, 2026, the system will be fully operational, and a zero-tolerance approach will be adopted towards traffic violations, particularly those that endanger lives and undermine road safety,” he said.

Vaz insisted that sufficient time has been provided for motorists to clear the backlog and that enforcement will be uncompromising from October 1.

“You get a ticket, you have the option to pay the ticket. If you feel that you have been wronged, you have the ability to go to court. But the demerit system will be implemented, and the minute you reach the threshold of points for the various infractions, the ITA [Island Traffic Authority] will act. If you are caught driving with a suspended or revoked licence, I don't need to tell you where you're going,” he said.

He said the ministry is working in partnership with the ITA, the Ministry of Justice, Tax Administration Jamaica, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and other stakeholders.

He encouraged motorists to use the remaining months before implementation to check their records, settle outstanding matters, and ensure their licences and vehicle documents are in order.

ITA Director General Colonel Daniel Pryce noted that the agency is the custodian of the demerit point system and is responsible for supporting the accurate recording and management of offences and associated sanctions.

He said the Ticket Information Management System will generate notices and manage the surrender and reinstatement of drivers' licences.

Emphasising that the demerit point system is a multi-agency effort, Pryce noted that significant work has been undertaken over the past several months to prepare for its implementation.

These efforts have included the development and refinement of operational procedures; systems integration and testing with relevant stakeholders; data validation and migration exercises; inter-agency coordination and demerit point system committee meetings; staff training and capacity-building initiatives; the development of a public education and stakeholder engagement plan; and the establishment of inter-agency communication and customer service processes.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck said an affirmative resolution will be sought in Parliament on Tuesday, which would allow all demerit points that could have been accumulated before September 30 to be vacated.

“I hope it is clear to all motorists; we are begging you to keep safe on the roads,” he said.

As of June 24, 2026, some 136 people had lost their lives in 122 road crashes.

Meanwhile, Vaz also urged the public to assist in ensuring the success of the demerit point system by reporting breaches.

“If you witness behaviour that endangers other road users, we encourage you to report it. However, members of the public should never place themselves or others at risk in an effort to capture this evidence,” he said.

He said the Transport Authority will launch the DriveSafe app in July. The app will serve as a centralised platform for public submissions and facilitate more coordinated action by the relevant regulatory and enforcement agencies.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. By working together and responsibly reporting dangerous behaviour, we can reduce crashes, save lives, reduce injuries, and build a stronger culture of compliance and respect on Jamaican roads,” he said.

- Sashana Small 

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