The driving public of Trinidad and Tobago will be navigating a new Demerit System on March 2nd 2020.
The Demerit System went into law in 2017, but the Ministry of Works and Transport has taken time to operationalize this system.
Experienced Drivers (Driving longer than 1 year)
Number of Points Accumulated within 3 Years | Length of Suspension |
10-13 points | Six Months |
14-19 points | One Year |
More than 19 points | Two Years |
Inexperienced Drivers (Driving less than 1 year)
Number of Points Accumulated within 1 Year | Length of Suspension |
More than 7 points | One Year |
How are Demerit points accumulated
Each of the offenses which usually attracts a ticket, also attracts demerit points. There are times mandated by the Ministry of Works and Transport that will also attract double demerit points. Note if you get more than one ticket at a time, only the offense with the most demerit points will be applied.
Offences resulting in 14 Demerit Points
- Driving while disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving permit
- Failure to provide a specimen of breath or blood
- Failure to submit breath analysis or wilful alteration of concentration of alcohol in his breath or blood
Offences resulting in 9 Demerit Points
- Offences of driver instructor
- Driving under the influence of drug
- Driving when under the influence of drug
- Driving or being in charge of a vehicle while blood alcohol levels exceeds prescribed limit.
- Failure to produce a vehicle for inspection/Driving a vehicle without a valid inspection sticker and certificate
Full List of Offences incurring Demerit Points
There are many other details related to this system such as how to challenge the system and how to surrender your license if necessary. Further details of the system can be found at https://drivingtt.com/demerit-points-system/
Drive carefully!