(Trinidad Express) The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is advising that, effective January 30, the fines related to drunk driving, speeding and driving without a permit, have been increased. The following are the new penalties.
Motorists who drive drunk will now have to pay steep fines ranging from TT$12,000 to TT$22,500.
These new fines went into effect on January 30th 2015, with the amendment to the Motor Vehicle Road Traffic Act. Chapter 48:5 (MVRTA), which increased the penalties on existing road traffic offences.
A person will be liable under the Act once their breath alcohol level is in excess of 35 micro grammes.
The increased penalties under the MVRTA as amended are as follows:
Under Section 42 (1) persons Driving Without a valid Driver’s Permit can pay an increased fine of TT$1500 from the previous band of TT$500 – TT$1000.
For exceeding the speed limit, that fine has been increased from TT$4,000 to TT$6,000.
Under Section 70 (1) Driving under the Influence of Liquor, the fine has moved from TT$8,000 to TT$12,000 for a first conviction. In cases of repeat offenders, the fine can range from TT$15,000 to TT$22,500.
The other revised fines under Section 70 of the MVRTA are as follows:
- Section 70 B (5) Fails to Provide Breath Specimen fine increased from TT$8,000 to TT$12,000 for first conviction.
- Section 70 C(6)c & d Fails to Provide Breath or Attempts to Alter Specimen for Analysis fine increased from TT$8,000 to TT$12,000 for first conviction and from TT$15,000 to TT$22,500 for second conviction.
- Section 70 E (1) Refusal to Provide Blood Sample for Analysis fine increased from TT$8,000 to TT$12,000 for first conviction and from TT$15,000 to TT$22,500 for second conviction.
