Brace yourself, drivers—traffic fines are about to double, and the timing couldn’t be more controversial. Starting January 1, 2026, motorists will face significantly higher penalties for a range of traffic offenses, from minor documentation issues to dangerous driving. But here’s where it gets controversial: this move, announced via Legal Notice No. 471 of 2025 on Christmas Day, has sparked outrage among drivers and the Opposition, who accuse the government of sneaking in harsh measures while the public was distracted by holiday celebrations.
The Ninth Schedule of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act has been amended to double fines for offenses like using a vehicle in defective condition, improper use of a dealer’s license, and failing to wear a seatbelt—all jumping from $1,000 to $2,000. And this is the part most people miss: these increases were neither announced during the national budget presentation nor included in the Finance Bill passed earlier this month, leaving many to question the government’s transparency.
Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales didn’t hold back, labeling the move as “diabolical” and comparing the government to a “yellow Christmas Grinch.” He slammed the United National Congress (UNC) for quietly publishing the legal notice on Christmas Day, accusing them of prioritizing revenue over road safety. Gonzales also pointed out the irony of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s past criticism of traffic penalties as too harsh when she was in opposition in 2024. Back then, she argued the system unfairly targeted motorists and prioritized revenue over safety—a stance that now seems forgotten.
Here’s the kicker: Persad-Bissessar had promised during her campaign to reduce traffic fines if elected. Instead, her government has done the opposite, leading Gonzales to accuse her of breaking a key campaign promise. He vowed to keep a watchful eye on the government, even during the holiday season, warning, “Your dirty works will always be exposed.”
Former Prime Minister Stuart Young added fuel to the fire, criticizing the government for imposing “harsh economic measures” while weakening the economy. He highlighted rising taxes, food prices, job losses, and electricity rates, painting a grim picture of the country’s financial health. Young also took aim at the government’s handling of national security and culture, citing repeated states of emergency and the cancellation of steelband sponsorships as examples of poor governance.
St Ann’s East MP Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly called the move “deceitful, deceptive, and wicked,” questioning how much more suffering Trinidad and Tobago could endure. She listed a litany of issues, from job losses to higher taxes and societal uncertainty, concluding, “The UNC is unfit for governance.”
Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert echoed these sentiments, calling out the UNC’s betrayal of the population. He reminded the public of Persad-Bissessar’s pre-election promises to lower taxes, reduce fines, and create jobs—promises that now seem hollow.
Now, here’s the question for you: Is doubling traffic fines a necessary measure for road safety, or is it a revenue grab disguised as policy? And should the government have been more transparent about these changes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
