Traffic authority begins suspending driver’s licences

More than 100 notices for the suspension of driver's licences under the new Road Traffic Act have been issued by the Island Traffic Authority (ITA).

Under the new regime, which took effect on February 1, the ITA has the power to order the suspension of driver's licences if demerit points have been accumulated for traffic violations.

Drivers who have accumulated 10-13 demerit points will have their licences suspended for six months. In the case of drivers who have racked up 14-19 demerit points since February 1, their licence will be suspended for a year. The licences of drivers with 20 or more demerit points will be suspended for two years.

Kenute Hare, director of the ITA, said the issuance of suspension notices began on Tuesday. The notices are sent to the driver's last address on record at Tax Administration Jamaica. The suspension notice is also shared with the police and updated in the Traffic Ticket Management System.

"The police that are on the ground will know, using their handheld device, that the driver's licence is suspended," Hare said.

He said that once a notice of suspension has been sent, the driver's licence holder must surrender the licence to the ITA within 21 days. Failure to comply is an offence which attracts a fine of $10,000 or three months' imprisonment.

Under the law, persons who have not accumulated traffic tickets that warrant the suspension of their driver's licence will have their demerit points expunged after a period of 15 months.

Hare said that persons can avoid being ticketed by adhering to the road traffic laws.

"What we are seeing is a lot of drivers disobeying the rules of the road - not wearing seatbelts and helmets, speeding, overtaking improperly and so much more, resulting in them attracting traffic tickets," Hare said.