KINGSTON, Jamaica—Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Delroy Chuck has warned motorists who ignore traffic tickets that failure to comply with the law will lead to the issuance of arrest warrants and possible imprisonment.

The minister, who was addressing the St Catherine Justice of the Peace Association’s fourth anniversary church service at the New Life Community Church International Worship Centre on Sunday, said there is a growing culture of indiscipline on the roadways.

He argued that there are far too many individuals who believe that “they own the road”, with reckless and unlawful driving continuing to place lives at risk and undermine public order.

He pointed to the mounting pressure on the Traffic Court system in keeping up with the influx of cases, noting that the situation is exacerbated by offenders who fail to appear in court after being issued tickets.

“We have been monitoring people. When they get the tickets, they don’t pay… sometimes they don’t show up [at the traffic court],” he said, informing that thousands of arrest warrants are being issued every day.

“I beg you, cut it out. Your days are numbered. Those warrants will be served and… unfortunately, many of you will occupy St Catherine district prison for a while,” he warned.

The justice m⁰inister urged motorists to take responsibility by promptly settling fines and adhering to the Road Traffic Act.

“If you are fined, don’t feel you can get away. Make sure you pay your fine,” he said, emphasising the importance of respecting the law and maintaining order on the nation’s roadways.

The Road Traffic Act 2018 and the Regulations 2022, which were implemented on February 1, 2023, provide heavy fines for traffic offences.

These include $40,000 for unlicensed driving, $24,000 for disobeying traffic lights, and more than $10,000 for speeding violations.

The updated framework also applies demerit points and other sanctions aimed at deterring repeat offenders.

Motorists with outstanding tickets face significant restrictions. They are barred from conducting key transactions, including transferring vehicle ownership, renewing driver’s licences, or paying fitness and registration fees.

Additionally, the authorities have strengthened enforcement through technology and coordinated policing. The Island Traffic Authority now utilises electronic detection systems, including roadside cameras, to identify offences such as speeding and running red lights.

Traffic tickets are issued electronically, and law-enforcement officers are immediately alerted to unpaid fines during routine checks, enabling them to arrest offenders or seize vehicles where necessary.

Chuck lauded the St Catherine Justice of the Peace Association for its continued contribution to community development and justice, urging its members to support efforts to promote lawfulness and accountability.

He reiterated that respect for the law is essential to national progress, warning that those who choose to disregard it will face the full force of the justice system.

-JIS