Road Traffic Act under review: Preliminary report expected by September

August 3, 2026

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has directed that a comprehensive review be undertaken of all matters relating to the implementation of the Road Traffic Act.

The review includes issues concerning outstanding traffic tickets, the demerit points system, and the legal and policy implications of any proposed amendments.

In a statement this afternoon, Mr. Vaz said this review will include extensive consultations with the relevant stakeholders, including the judiciary and other key institutions, to ensure that the government’s position is legally sound, practical, and in the best interest of the Jamaican people.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz said the government has taken note of the ongoing public discourse surrounding the Road Traffic Act, particularly the implementation of the demerit points system.

He also pointed to recent comments from members of the opposition and other stakeholders.

He said the government welcomes constructive contributions to this important national conversation and recognises that several of the issues raised, warrant careful consideration.

Mr. Vaz said the government remains committed to ensuring that any policy or legislative action relating to the Road Traffic Act is guided by sound legal analysis, established precedent, and the overarching objective of improving road safety while ensuring fairness in the administration of the law.

According to the transport minister, good policy is never made in haste. It is built through consultation with important stakeholders, strengthened by collaboration with technical experts, informed by consensus for the greater good, and sustained through clear communication with a clear goal.

He stated that those four Cs have guided the government from the beginning, and they will continue to guide every decision made
on the Road Traffic Act.

Meantime, he noted that there have been calls for an amnesty in relation to outstanding traffic matters.

He said it’s important that the term is properly understood, stating that any consideration of such a measure must be guided by the existing legal framework and established precedent, rather than differing interpretations of what an amnesty should entail.

Mr. Vaz said the government will approach this matter with the care, diligence and strategic consideration it deserves.

He added that it would be premature to make definitive pronouncements before the review has been completed.

The Transport Minister said once the review has concluded, the government will outline a clear and comprehensive position, including any legislative or policy changes that may be required.

Mr. Vaz called on Jamaicans not to lose sight of the reality on the roads, pointing out that between April and June, Jamaica recorded 75 fatal crashes, resulting in 83 deaths.

He said speeding remained the leading contributing factor, accounting for 24 per cent of these fatalities.

The minister said these statistics are a sobering reminder that the Road Traffic Act is first and foremost about saving lives.

As such, any decision arising from the review must strike the appropriate balance between legal certainty and the government’s unwavering commitment to protect all who use the roads.

He said a dedicated working team comprising all relevant ministries and agencies had been meeting regularly throughout July, and will continue to undertake this review.

Their preliminary report, due in September, will provide the foundation for the government’s final decisions, including, if necessary, the establishment of a revised implementation date that is in the best interest of Jamaicans.

He said in September, the government will provide a further public update on the progress of this review, the consultations undertaken, and the way forward as the ministry continues to strengthen the Road Traffic Act in the interest of justice, public confidence, and safer roads for all.