KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force has raised the level for authorising the seizure of motor vehicles from sergeant to inspector.

This is according to the updated Force Orders and is intended to increase accountability, reduce misuse of authority, and ensure that the actions taken are justified and based on careful review of all circumstances.

According to the Force Orders, there are currently many instances where motor vehicles are seized by the police without due care for the risk to persons and property. However, it noted that the seizure of vehicles under the Road Traffic Act is not mandatory.

Based on Section 13 of the Road Traffic Act (2018), vehicles are liable to be seized for being unlicensed, having no decal, having no registration plates affixed, registration plates obscured, and operating without the requisite licence.

The Force Orders said the issue of traffic tickets for these breaches can suffice. Therefore, according to the orders, ranks authorising seizures are to examine each case on its own merit and exercise discretion accordingly.

It added that when a decision is made for seizure, the exposure of persons, property and businesses to serious harm/loss must be considered. Some of these circumstances include the seizure of private/public motor vehicles for being unlicensed when young children and babies are aboard; the seizure of a vehicle that is filled with perishable goods for not having a commercial licence; seizure of a vehicle for being unlicensed during a weekend or before 12 midday on a Monday, when persons are heading to work and intend to have their vehicles licensed; and seizure of commercial vehicles for obscured registration plates, especially entities and their contractors providing critical services including lighting and cable.

Whenever vehicles are being seized, only approved wrecking companies must be engaged through the Police Emergency Communication Centre at the rates approved by the Transport Authority.

Wrecker rates are as follows:

Tow (within a 5km radius)

Motor Car                                 $12,000.00

Coasters & Hiace Buses         $22,500.00

Tow (over 5km radius)

Motor Car                                 $600.00 p/km

Coasters & Hiace Buses         $800.00 p/km

No-key Towing

Motor Car                                 $4,500.00

Coasters & Hiace Buses         $6,000.00