Jamaica demerit points system starts 30 September as ministers urge motorists to clear tickets

Senior government officials have confirmed that Jamaica's demerit points system will take effect on 30 September 2026, with full enforcement beginning on 1 October under the Road Traffic Act 2018 and Road Traffic Regulations 2022.

Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Daryl Vaz told a Ministry press briefing that the measure is intended to improve driver accountability and cut road deaths, not simply to punish offenders. He said motorists who settle outstanding traffic tickets and bring their records into compliance on or before 30 September will not face demerit points for those earlier offences.

Vaz noted that roughly 1.1 million tickets remain outstanding nationwide, alongside about 118,000 more recent cases still moving through the payment or court process. He said the September date was chosen over an earlier July or August start to give courts, agencies and motorists time to work through the backlog. Special court sessions held on 8 and 9 July drew more than 45,000 registrations from people seeking to pay fines.

Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck said Parliament may pass an affirmative resolution to ensure demerit points do not attach to tickets settled or guilty pleas entered before 1 October. After that date, points will accumulate and the Island Traffic Authority may suspend licences where thresholds are exceeded.

Officials cited 136 road deaths in 122 crashes so far in 2026 and said the government is aiming for fewer than 300 fatalities by 2027. Five per cent of revenue from traffic offences has been earmarked for a national road safety campaign, with tender submissions extended to 10 July 2026.

The public was urged to report dangerous driving through JCF WhatsApp at 876-591-5671, Transport Authority channels including 876-374-8352, 876-551-8196 and 876-279-8515, and the authority's customer service email. A Drive Safe app for public submissions is expected in the last week of July 2026.

Island Traffic Authority Director General Colonel Daniel Price, Transport Authority Managing Director Rolston Smith and Assistant Commissioner of Police Gary McKenzie said agencies are ready to administer points, enforce the law and support public reporting when the system goes live.