The federal government has introduced stronger fines and penalties for motorists who violate the country’s traffic laws. These form part of its approach to crack down on dangerous driving practices and creating safer roads for drivers and pedestrians alike.

The stricter penalties came into effect with the passing of the Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, during the Jan. 30^th sitting of the National Assembly. The Bill was moved by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew.

Amendments to the Vehicles and Road Traffic Act include an increase in fines for reckless and dangerous driving from $4,000 to $6,000 or up to $8,000, with repeat offenders facing a fine of up to $20,000. Driving under the influence of alcohol or any substance that alters your judgment now carries a fine of up to $10,000 in the first instance and a fine of up to $20,000 for repeat offences, with longer imprisonment terms. In addition, causing death by dangerous driving now carries a maximum penalty of 10 years, while causing death by careless driving carries a penalty of imprisonment up to six years.

Prime Minister Drew said cameras at the various traffic lights will now facilitate the introduction of an automated ticketing system in the federation. Also, a new public reporting system will allow citizens to submit dashcam or video footage of instances of reckless driving. Video evidence can be submitted anonymously, and if that evidence leads to conviction, the individual may be eligible to receive a monetary reward of up to $5,000. SKN recorded nearly 1800 traffic accidents and thirteen (13) road fatalities for 2024.