The Ministry of Communications and Works has announced the successful passing of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025.  The act was assented by the Governor on Thursday, 2 October 2025 and gazetted on Monday, 6 October, 2025. The amended act introduces substantial changes aimed at enhancing road safety, regulating the efficient movement of traffic, and adjusting penalties as a deterrent to the increase traffic violations across the Territory. It also aims at reducing the number of accidents, traffic offences commensurate with the Territory's development while increasing the accountability of road users on the public roads.

The amendments primarily focus on revising penalties for existing traffic offenses, creating new offenses to address emerging safety concerns, and introducing new requirements and fees managed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Key Amendments and Impacts

1. Strengthened Penalties for Traffic Offenses:

A wide range of existing traffic offenses will see significant increases in fines, underscoring the Territory's commitment to stricter enforcement and deterring dangerous driving. Examples of these penalty adjustments include but are not limited to:

• Many fines previously in the range of $50 - $500 have been dramatically increased to $150 - $1,500, and in some cases, up to $3,000 or $4,500.
• The fine for driving at a speed greater than the maximum prescribed limit is now a fixed penalty of $175.
• Penalties for offenses like driving an unlicensed or uninsured motor vehicle are now $300 each.
• Failing to stop at a "Stop Sign" or a traffic light will incur a $175 and $500 fixed penalty respectively.

2. New Offenses and Safety Regulations:

The Act introduces several new provisions to address critical aspects of road safety and driver responsibility:

• Owner Liability for Unlicensed Drivers: Registered owners of motor vehicles will now be liable if they permit an unlicensed person to drive their vehicle (Section 11(1A)).
• Mandatory Helmet Use for Motorcyclists: It is now explicitly an offense to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, applicable to both the driver and any passenger (Section 41). Penalties for various motorcycle-related offenses have also seen significant increases, including fines up to $750 for issues like defaced plates or excessive noise.
• Prohibition on Dangerous Overtaking: A new offense penalises overtaking on corners, intersections, or the crest of a hill, with a penalty not exceeding $1,500 (Section 31A).
• Compliance with Police Directives: Drivers are now required to remain stationary when directed by a police officer and not depart the scene until released, with penalties up to $750 or 6 months imprisonment for non-compliance (Section 39A).
• Emergency Lights and Sirens: A general prohibition on the use of coloured emergency lights or sirens has been enacted, with specific exceptions for emergency services and certain authorised vehicles. Unauthorized use carries a penalty up to $500 (Section 51A).

3. Administrative Updates and DMV-Related Adjustments:

• Requirements for Drivers 80 Years and Older: Drivers reaching 80 years of age will now be required to undergo a re-examination of their driving ability, a medical evaluation including an eye exam, and submit a medical report from a registered medical practitioner to renew their license. Renewals, if approved, will be for a period of three years (Section 18A).
• Temporary Taxi Usage Fee: Licensed taxi operators can now apply to temporarily use a non-taxi registered motor vehicle as a taxi, provided they furnish additional insurance and pay a new fee of $150 (Section 57A).
• Fixed Penalty System: The Act formalises the fixed penalty system, clearly listing offenses and their associated fines in a new Schedule 1. A new Schedule 2 outlines the Fixed Penalty Notice/Warning Notice Form, providing a structured approach for motorists to resolve minor infractions within fourteen (14) days to avoid further prosecution (Sections 64 and 65).
• No Criminal Record for Summary Offences: Notably, the Act stipulates that convictions for summary offences under this legislation will not be recorded on an individual's criminal record, providing a measure of leniency for minor infractions (Section 67A).

The Ministry of Communications and Works urges all residents and visitors to familiarise themselves with these important amendments to ensure compliance and contribute to safer roads for everyone. Further details and a complete list of amendments are available on the Government’s website at laws.gov.vg.

You may access these laws here: 

Road Traffic Act, Revised 2013: https://laws.gov.vg/laws/road-traffic-act-0

Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2025: https://laws.gov.vg/laws/road-traffic-amendment-act-2025