ONE of the provisions of the new Road Traffic Bill, states that drivers must have their driver’s licence with them at all times, while driving.

According to the Bill, an allowance of 48 hours for the licence to be produced at a police station may be granted. However, that is only on condition that the police are satisfied as to the identity of the driver.

This was made clear by chief technical director in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing (MTWH), Dr Janine Dawkins, as the Joint Select Committee (JSC) of Parliament reviewing the new Bill had its second meeting at Gordon House on Wednesday.

Learners’ permits can be obtained by persons who are at least 17 years old, but the applicant will be required to pass a Road Code test, as well as a vision test, before the permit can be granted.

Additionally, while using a learner’s permit the driver will require the company of an experienced driver, and persons using these permits will be restricted in terms of the time of day when they can drive, as well as whenever they can use the highways.

The new Bill, however, retains the three classes of driver’s licence currently available: Class A, which corresponds to the existing motor cycle driver’s licence; Class B, a private driver’s licence; and Class C, a general driver’s licence.

Prerequisites for the granting of the licence have been modified to include a minimum time since obtaining a learner’s permit, certification from a licensed driving instructor and a clean driving record for the prior 12 months.

In addition, PPV licence applicants will be required to have held a Class B licence for at least three years.

Provisions for demerit points to be recorded against a driver’s licence on conviction for certain offences, or upon payment of a fixed penalty, remain as currently exist, with specific reference added for notifications to the Authority from the Courts and the Police. However the demerit points may be expunged after a period of suspension, as well as after expiration. The provisions for expungement, and the process by which points are expunged, will also be included in the regulations.

Minister of Transport, Works and Housing, Dr Omar Davies, who is chairing the committee meetings, pointed out that under the new Act, the functions of the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) will be extended into areas such as: the establishment of motor vehicle registers; instituting safety measures; traffic calming methods; preparing the Road Code and other publications; licensing and regulating driving instructors; and advising the minister on policy matters.

The ITA will have to keep a register of motor vehicles, which will be called the National Vehicle Register. It will include information on every vehicle imported into Jamaica, and any motor vehicles registered under the Act.

Incidentally, it is interesting to note that ITA will not be able to renew any motor vehicle licence, where there are outstanding unpaid traffic tickets.

The committee meets again on October 8 at Gordon House.