Breaking the rules of the road just got a lot more expensive.
Traffic fines have spiked under a law passed recently by the House of Assembly and approved by Governor Daniel Pruce on Oct. 2.
“The amended legislation introduces several important changes designed to strengthen road safety, modernise enforcement, and support responsible motoring,” police said in a Friday statement.
The legislation, which is now in effect, includes at least 20 sections that increase penalties.
The fine for riding a motorcycle without a helmet, for instance, has jumped from $100 to $750, police said.
Meanwhile, the fine for driving an uninsured vehicle is up from $50 to $300.
New summary offences
The law also includes new summary offences: overtaking on a corner or intersection can now attract a fine up to $1,500, and failing to stop to permit a police officer to execute duties can cost up to $750 or six months in prison.
Running a red light now carries a penalty of $500, and using a vehicle that causes more than 75 decibels of noise can attract a fine of $1,000.
Additionally, owning or driving a vehicle with window tint exceeding the prescribed limit without a permit now carries a fixed penalty of $150 per glass.
A schedule included in the act also lists updated fixed penalties for a wide range of other violations, including several revised parking fines now set at $225.
Cracking down
To ensure compliance with the new law, police have expedited “several internal processes,” including updating all ticket books, according to the Police Information Office.
Interim acting Police Commissioner Richard Ullger said the amendments represent a significant step forward in strengthening road safety and improving the territory’s traffic management framework.
Police urged the public to familiarise themselves with the new law, which was published in the government’s Gazette and will be circulated further as part of a public awareness campaign.