The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is urging motorists to adhere strictly to road traffic laws as new fixed penalty fines take effect under amendments to the Ninth Schedule of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.
Legal Notice No. 471 of 2025, effective January 1, increases penalties for 85 per cent of traffic violations enforceable by police officers.
High-risk offences carry the steepest fines.
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 31 kilometres per hour now attracts a $6,000 penalty, while driving without a valid certificate of insurance under Section 3 of the Motor Vehicle Insurance (Third Party Risks) Act can result in a $10,000 fine.
Drivers arrested for DUI offences face fines of up to $24,000 for a first offence and up to $45,000 for a second.
The TTPS stressed the amendments reflect serious consequences for breaches of road traffic regulations and require motorists to maintain valid insurance, comply with posted speed limits, and make responsible choices such as designating a sober driver or using ride-share services. Enforcement will prioritise protecting law-abiding citizens and reducing preventable accidents.
Authorities highlighted progress in 2025, with road traffic fatalities falling 12 per cent from 124 in 2024 to 109.
While the reduction is significant, the TTPS emphasised that every life lost remains one too many.
