May 9, 2025 – In another major policy shift, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced that her administration will scrap the demerit points system for traffic violations. This system was introduced in May 2020 by the former People’s National Movement government. The demerit points system, which was introduced and enforced under the Ministry of Works and Transport through the Licensing Authority, was designed to discourage reckless driving. Accumulating 10 to 14 points within three years could lead to a six-month licence suspension, with harsher penalties for more points. But during yesterday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said the system will be scrapped entirely, calling it overly punitive and ineffective in its current form. However, until the law is officially repealed, TTPS Road Safety Coordinator PC Brent Batson urges drivers to continue obeying traffic laws or face penalties under the existing regulations.
