Traversing Jamaican roads is not for the faint of heart. You must be tough, resilient, patient, have sharp reflexes, and be wide awake. If you’re not, you may want to reconsider taking the driver’s seat on a road trip in Jamaica. And we aren’t saying Jamaicans are horrible drivers. They just tend to be picky with the road rules they abide by.

Here 8 traffic and road offences often committed by Jamaican motorists.

1.Overtaking at intersections

Uphill grades, over double centre lines – This offence is committed so often during the peak morning and evening traffic hours, that police officers are temporarily stationed at the major hotspots.

2. Turning without an indicator signal

Keep your distance from public passenger buses and taxi cars because they are notorious for committing this offence especially when they are trying to re-route through residential communities during peak traffic hours.

3. Disobeying traffic lights/sign

You know a police officer is in sight or you’re approaching a police station if the Jamaican driver in front of you obeys the
traffic light and signs.

4. Driving with no vehicle registration

It would be shameful to learn how many Jamaican motorists do not possess the correct registration documents for the vehicles they drive.

5. Driving without driver’s licence

The absence of this important driving permit does not deter Jamaicans from hitting the road at break-neck speed. Usually, these drivers are the ones who are guilty of several other road offences.

6. Speeding

The unlicensed driver is usually guilty of this offence. The National Road Safety Unit in the Ministry of Transport revealed that excessive speeding led to the death of 148 people in Jamaica in 2022.

7. No seatbelt

Some operators of public passenger vehicles restrict the use of a seat belt, in the front seat, to permit the loading of two or even three passengers on the seat.

8. Creating illegal driving lanes

Stay clear of pedestrian walkways on major roads in Kingston during morning and afternoon traffic hours. Why? Because
they are often the second lane and third lane on a one-lane roadway, and the third and fourth lanes on a two-lane roadway.

In addition to being illegal, these road offences are clearly unsafe for the drivers and passengers. Never feel compelled to stay seated in a vehicle being driven by a Jamaican who chooses to disobey the road rules. Your life is a priority so make your exit.

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