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Your Guide to Understanding the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act in Trinidad

Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a new one, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act if you’re driving in Trinidad. This Act, though extensive, is not something you can afford to overlook. To help you navigate through it, here’s a concise guide to understanding the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act in Trinidad.

What is the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act?

The Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act is a legal document highlighting the laws governing how road users are expected to operate on Trinidad’s roadways and the penalties if they fail to heed them.

When browsing this document, pay special attention to the following:

Licensing and Registration Guidelines
Traffic Regulations
Penalties
Special Provisions

Why is it Important?

Understanding and adhering to the law in the Act are not just suggestions; they are a necessity.

In the unfortunate event of a law violation, claiming ignorance is not a valid defence. It’s your duty to familiarize yourself with the road rules and ensure compliance.

Otherwise, you may be penalized and punished, including losing your driving privileges.

What are the Main Elements to Follow?

While every provision or element is equally important, as a private driver, here are some things you’ll need to be aware of:

Don’t drink and drive

You’ve probably heard this many times already, but it’s important to repeat. Drinking and operating a motor vehicle or even attempting to operate a motor vehicle is a big no-no here in Trinidad. The legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millimetres of breath.

If you’re suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, the police will administer a breathalyzer test.

Depending on the results, you may be issued another and arrested.

You can be charged with a Driving Under the Influence or driving impaired (DUI) offence even if you’re in the backseat but have possession of your keys. In addition, refusing a breathalyzer test or tampering with your breath can attract a DUI charge.

Pay attention to the speed limit

The last thing you want is a traffic ticket, so it’s time to pay attention to the speed limit.

The speed limit varies based on what type of vehicle you’re driving and where you’re driving.

For example, driving a regular car, you’re allowed to go 50km/hr while driving through a built-up area. However, you’re allowed to go up to 80km/hr outside a built-up area, such as a highway.

Always pay attention to the speed limit no matter where you’re driving to ensure you follow the law.

Otherwise, you risk being charged with dangerous driving and can even be arrested.

Wear your seatbelt

Even if you’re just going around the corner or up the road, you and your front-seat passenger should wear seatbelts once the car is moving.

Otherwise, you may be penalized or seriously hurt yourself and your passengers.

Put away your cell phone

Using your cell phone while operating a motor vehicle in Trinidad is illegal.

You’re not even allowed to use your cell phone if you’re supervising someone with a provisional license while they’re driving.

Yes, that includes texting, too.

You can’t send your friend a quick WhatsApp message to say you’re almost there.

Of course, you may need to communicate with others while on the road.

That’s why you’re allowed to use your phone hands-free.

Therefore, putting your phone in hands-free mode will help you avoid penalties.

You can also use a cell phone if the motor vehicle is not moving, off the road or in impeding traffic.

What are the Consequences of Breaking Any Law?

There are a variety of penalties outlined in the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act.

Breaking the road rules can result in any or a combination of the following:

Fines
Loss of your driving license permanently
Suspension of your driving license
Prison time
Demerit points on your license

For example, if you’re found to have been driving under the influence for the first time, you’ll be fined TT$12,000 or imprisoned for three years.

Your second offence will attract TT$22,500, or you’ll be imprisoned for five years and lose your driving privileges for three years.

If caught a third time, you’ll lose your driving license permanently.

What Other Aspect Should I Take into Consideration?

You should also consider what the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act says about insurance.

According to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, you must have Third Party Insurance once you’re operating a vehicle on a public road.

Third Party Insurance provides coverage for bodily injury to third parties and damage to third-party property as the result of an accident caused in your motor vehicle.

However, it does not cover damage done to your vehicle.

We recommend going beyond what is legally required and exploring other insurance options, such as comprehensive, third-party, fire, and theft insurance.

If you’re looking for an insurance plan that covers you for various issues such as medical expenses and flood, you should look into our comprehensive insurance policy.

Ready to explore insurance options. We can provide you with a free quote.

We hope you’ll be our newest customer so that you can drive feeling protected.

A concise review is a great way to get the gist of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act but we encourage you to read the full Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act right here. You can also check out the 2019 amendment here.

For more information on understanding your motor vehicle, browse our blog.

Suggested reading: How To Maintain Your New Car

The Benefits of Purchasing Comprehensive Car Insurance

Sources

https://www.lawforalltt.com/recent-articles/what-is-the-law-on-using-your-mobile-phone-while-driving-in-trinidad-and-tobago#:~:text=In%20Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20using,a%20hand%2Dheld%20mobile%20device.