The new traffic ticketing system provides an opportunity for the administrative settlement of traffic and road offences without having to go through the court system. Although this system takes an electronic approach, it does not totally eliminate the use of paper. Officers will be utilizing both the mobile handheld ticketing devices and the paper-based traffic ticket. There is now a newly designed traffic ticket that alleviates the current challenges experienced by law enforcement officers when writing paper-based tickets.
The following law enforcement officers are authorized by law to issue traffic tickets:
- Police Officers;
- Supplemental Police Officers;
- Licensing Officers; and
- Traffic Wardens.
After a traffic ticket is issued by a law enforcement officer, the information on the ticket is electronically submitted to the following stakeholders:
- The Traffic Enforcement Centre (TEC) – for monitoring;
- The Trinidad & Tobago Postal Service (TTPOST) – to process payment of the fine;
- The Judiciary of Trinidad & Tobago – should a Notice to Contest be filed by the traffic offender;
- The Licensing Authority – should the traffic offender fail to pay within the due timeframe; and
- The Trinidad & Tobago Police Service – for archiving and further action if necessary
The recipient of the traffic ticket has 30 days in which to pay. The applicable number of demerit points will be applied to his driving permit record upon payment.
It is important to note that not all offences can be dealt with by way of a traffic ticket. Depending on the seriousness of the breach and the circumstances, the law enforcement officer may serve a summons on the driver to appear before a Court.
Refer to the Ninth Schedule by clicking on the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act tab for a full list of traffic offences, the fine penalties and applicable demerit points.