Jamaica's demerit point system takes effect 30 September 2026

Senior government officials used a press briefing on 25 June 2026 to outline how Jamaica's demerit point system will operate when it takes effect on 30 September 2026 under the Road Traffic Act 2018 and the Road Traffic Regulations 2022.

Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz said the measure is meant to improve driver accountability and cut road deaths, not simply punish motorists. From 1 October 2026, accumulated points on qualifying offences can trigger licence suspension. Officials said motorists who settle eligible outstanding tickets on or before 30 September will not carry demerit points into the new regime.

Vaz noted that 136 people had died in 122 crashes up to 24 June 2026, and said continued enforcement and public compliance could help keep annual fatalities below 300 by 2027. He said roughly 1.1 million tickets remain outstanding, with another 118,399 issued more recently. Court sessions planned for 8 and 9 July had already drawn more than 45,000 registrations from motorists seeking to pay fines.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck said the start date was pushed from July to give courts time to manage the backlog, including in Kingston and St. Andrew, where close to half a million tickets are on file. Motorists normally have 30 days to pay a ticket; after about 40 days unpaid matters can reach court, where higher penalties may apply and electronic warrants can be issued for non-attendance.

Island Traffic Authority Director General Colonel Daniel Price said the authority will administer driver records through the ticket information management system, working with the Tax Administration of Jamaica, the Jamaica Constabulary Force and other agencies. Transport Authority Managing Director Rston Smith warned public passenger vehicle operators that repeated violations could lead to suspension or revocation of route licences.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Gary McKenzie said the JCF issued about 720,000 traffic tickets in 2025 and remains ready to enforce from October. The public may report dangerous driving via JCF WhatsApp at 876-591-5671, Transport Authority lines including 876-374-8352 and 876-551-8196, or email at customer service through ta.org.jm. A Drive Safe app is expected in the last week of July 2026 to centralise submissions.

Chuck said Parliament may consider an affirmative resolution to confirm that demerit points will not attach to tickets settled before 1 October, but offences recorded after that date will count toward suspension thresholds.