Police chief grants reprieve on some traffic offences amidst crackdown 

Acting Commissioner of Police Enville Williams, in his capacity as the licensing authority, has granted a grace period from March 21 to April 3, allowing motorists to regularise their registration plates, tare markings, excessive lights, and the playing of amplified music in their vehicles, according to law.

“This temporary reprieve provides vehicle owners with the necessary time to make adjustments without immediate penalties,” the Police Public Relations and Complaints Department said in a press release. 

Recently, police have taken to the streets and issued tickets for several alleged offences, including improper font and style on number plates, tinted windshields, playing the stereo system inside of a vehicle, and additional lights.

The manner in which the operations have been conducted as well as the attitude of some traffic officers have resulted in an outcry among some members of the public.

Some people have questioned whether the operations are really about traffic violations and road safety or to raise money for the government.  

However, the police said in a press release that the Traffic Department enforcement initiatives are “neither arbitrary nor designed to inconvenience members of the public”.

They said the traffic regulations “have been longstanding provisions within our laws, developed explicitly to enhance road safety and security for all citizens, residents, and visitors.

“It is vital that all road users adhere to these standards to promote safety and reduce traffic-related incidents.”

License plates

The release said the Traffic Department met on March 17 with key stakeholders, particularly registration plate manufacturers.

“During this consultation, clear guidelines regarding lawful plate specifications were reiterated,” the press release said.

It said

Letters and figures on registration plates must each be 2.5 inches wide, 3.5 inches high, and 5/8 inch thick, positioned upright with a half-inch spacing between characters.

Tare/MGW markings on public service and goods vehicles must be rectangular, measuring 6 inches high by 8 inches wide, with white letters (half-inch high) on a black background, placed visibly on the right or offside of vehicles.

Tinted windshields

The release said that police have noted widespread and heavy tinting of front and rear windshields.

“This practice significantly reduces driver visibility and obstructs clear viewing of license disks/stickers, constituting an offence under our traffic regulations.

“To ensure optimal visibility, the RSVGPF encourages all motorists to desist from this practice,” the release said.

Insurance compliance

Police said the misuse of vehicle insurance has come to their attention, including making partial insurance payments but failing to complete them; cancelling policies while continuing to operate vehicles; and, riving uninsured vehicles.

“These practices pose significant risks to all road users. Operating an uninsured vehicle is an offence punishable by law.”

Passenger overload in minibuses

The release further stated that there have been cases where minibus operators exceed their vehicles’ legal passenger capacity.

In some instances, omnibus operators register for 10 passengers but carry as many as 18.

“This is not only unlawful but places additional passengers at serious risk in case of accidents, as insurance only covers the legally registered number.”

Vehicle lighting violations

Improper vehicle lighting has become a growing concern, as it poses serious risks to road users,” the release said.

Common offences include:

Replacing standard lights with excessively bright lights, causing glare and impairing the vision of oncoming drivers. Anyone who wishes to install additional lights must first obtain written permission from the Commissioner of Police.

Vehicles operating without functional registration plate lights, making it difficult to identify vehicles at night.

“Bright and blinding headlights have been the subject of numerous public complaints. Motorists are reminded that headlights should illuminate the road, not endanger other drivers. Coloured lights are strictly prohibited, as they create confusion and violate traffic regulations.”

Playing of loud music in motor vehicles

Under Section 31 of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act (CAP 483), it is prohibited to play any musical instrument, noisy instrument, or loudspeaker in any motor vehicle in a public place without written permission from the Commissioner of Police, the release said.

“While we understand that music can enhance the driving experience, it must be played responsibly and should not become a disturbance to other road users or members of the general public. The RSVGPF urges all motorists to ‘police themselves by playing their music at a low level within the confines of the motor vehicle.”

The release said that as part of these enforcement measures, the RSVGPF has increased patrols across key areas, issued notices to non-compliant drivers, and conducted stakeholder engagements to ensure awareness of the regulations. “Officers are actively monitoring roadways, inspecting vehicles, and taking action against violations to maintain the safety and security of all road users,” the release said.

“The RSVGPF remains dedicated to upholding the law fairly and consistently. Cooperation from the public is crucial as we reinforce these standards, contributing to safer roads and enhanced security across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“We thank the public for their understanding and compliance as we work collectively to maintain order and safety on our nation’s roads.”