Government Urges Jamaicans to Report Unsafe Driving Ahead of October Demerit Point Rollout

Citizens are being asked to take a hands-on part in improving road safety by flagging reckless driving, disorderly behaviour on the roads, and other practices that put motorists and pedestrians in harm's way.

Hon. Daryl Vaz, Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, said anyone who sees conduct that threatens other road users should come forward with a report. He stressed that no one should endanger themselves or others while trying to gather proof.

"If you witness behaviour that endangers other road users, we encourage you to report it. However, members of the public should never place themselves or others at risk to capture this evidence," the Minister said.

He explained that the appropriate bodies will examine each submission and, where warranted, cross-check the details against existing surveillance recordings. The Jamaica Constabulary Force will weigh the evidence through its standard investigative procedures. The Transport Authority and the Island Traffic Authority will draw on the information to strengthen enforcement, track compliance, guide operational deployments, and shape road-safety measures.

"The relevant agencies will review submissions and, where appropriate, compare them with available surveillance footage. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will assess evidentiary value through its investigative processes, while the Transport Authority and the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) will use the information to support enforcement, compliance monitoring, operational deployment, and road-safety interventions," he outlined.

Vaz said pinpointing drivers who pose the greatest risk and applying progressively tougher penalties when warranted helps drive compliance, sharpens behaviour behind the wheel, and makes Jamaica's streets safer for everyone who travels them — whether by car, bus, on foot, or by bicycle.

He made the remarks during a press briefing on Thursday, June 25, at the Ministry's offices in New Kingston.

The outreach forms part of wider efforts to get the public involved in spotting and reporting traffic violations as the country prepares to launch the Demerit Point System on October 1. Under that framework, drivers accumulate points on their records for defined offences. Once set limits are crossed, licences can be suspended as the law prescribes.

"We are imploring all motorists to ensure that they take note of the reform under way and ensure they are compliant," Vaz said.

He added that the programme will succeed only if enforcement agencies and ordinary Jamaicans both do their part.

"Road safety is a shared responsibility. By working together and responsibly reporting dangerous behaviour, we can reduce crashes, save lives, and build a stronger culture of compliance and respect on Jamaica's roads," he stated.

Reports can be sent through the JCF WhatsApp line at (876) 591-5671. The Transport Authority accepts submissions via WhatsApp at 876DRIVEJA — (876) 374-8352 — as well as (876) 551-8196 and (876) 279-8515. Complaints may also be emailed to [email protected], or posted to the Island Traffic Authority's Instagram and TikTok accounts at @islandtrafficauthority.