The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) remains committed to reducing crime and protecting its citizens. Every Jamaican can employ a greater level of responsibility for their personal safety with the help of several GOJ initiatives. Stay Alert App This mobile application (app) was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of National Security (MNS) to allow the public to contact the police....

Effective January 1, 2023, biological fathers of newborns, and newly adoptive parents, are now entitled to 20 working days’ paternity and adoption leave with pay. Paternity Leave Paid leave can only be accessed on three occasions within each government organisation Full-time male employees, 18 years or older with at least 12 months of continuous service whether contracted or in a...

Regulation 247 of the new Road Traffic Act stipulates that a person shall not drive a motor vehicle if the vehicle causes a sound that exceeds the noise limit. Vehicle Noise Limit Motorcycle 85 dBA Motorcar 85 dBA Small Commercial Motor Vehicle 90 dBA Large Commercial Motor Vehicle 95 dBA   The noise limit for stationary vehicles is the same...

Regulation 262 (2) of the new Road Traffic Act, states that where a motor vehicle is for any reason stationary on a roadway or on the shoulder of a road, the driver should display at least two emergency warning signs: The signs shall be placed not less than 45 metres from the motor vehicle along the roadway, on the side...

According to regulations 155 to 167 of the new Road Traffic Act an application for a learner’s permit or driver’s licence shall be made to the Authority. Learner’s Permit To apply for a learner’s permit, the applicant must submit: A medical certificate Three identical photographs taken less than six months before the time of application and certified by a Justice...

According to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2022, the main purposes of traffic signs are to regulate traffic, warn users of potential danger and to inform persons of direction, distance, various destinations and give general advice on use of the road (regulation 200 [1]). Types of Traffic Signs Road Signs – usually on free-standing supports, having text or graphics inscribed Road...

The Road Traffic Act – Driving Schools and Instructors Part 2 Under the new Road Traffic Act, driving schools and instructors are expected to satisfy regulatory and operational requirements before providing services to the public. Licensing of Driving Schools All driving schools must: Prove that either the owner, director or partner of the driving school is a certified driving instructor...

The process to replace lost or damaged licence plates, licence certificates, decals or certificates of titles is described in regulations 19 (1,2) and 20 (1-4) of the new Road Traffic Act. Where any or all of the registration plates that are in use on a motor vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the original plates) or a certificate of title has...

Motor Vehicles Requiring Special Permits Motor vehicles that do not comply with the dimensions specified in the Road Traffic Regulations, 2022. In accordance with regulation 32: The overall length of a motor vehicle should not be more than 11 metres The overall width should not exceed 2.5 metres The height should be no greater than 3.2 metres. Trucks, tractors and...