Jamaica’s Demerit Point System is expected to be fully operational from October 1, 2026.

For drivers, this means some traffic offences will not only carry a fine. They can also add points to your driver’s licence record. If too many points build up, your licence may be suspended.

The system is designed to support safer roads by holding drivers more accountable for repeated traffic offences. It applies under the Road Traffic Act, 2018 and the Road Traffic Regulations, 2022.

Here’s what drivers should know before it takes effect.

How the demerit point system works

Drivers start at zero demerit points.

When a driver commits certain traffic offences, points are added to their driver’s licence record. These points are not “lost” or taken away. They build up when offences are recorded.

If a driver accumulates enough points, their driver’s licence may be suspended.

When can your licence be suspended?

A driver’s licence may be suspended once the driver accumulates 10 or more demerit points.

After the suspension period ends, the points recorded for that suspension are removed from the driver’s licence record.

Do demerit points stay on your record?

Not always.

If a driver has not accumulated enough points for a licence suspension, each demerit point expires after 15 months.

Why September 30, 2026 matters

Motorists are being encouraged to check and settle outstanding traffic tickets by September 30, 2026.

This gives drivers time to regularise their records before the Demerit Point System becomes fully operational on October 1.

Outstanding tickets can also create problems when you need to complete motor vehicle transactions, such as renewing your driver’s licence or transferring vehicle ownership.

What if you plan to go to court?

If you believe a ticket was issued unfairly, you can follow the official court process.

However, going to court does not automatically remove demerit points from the picture. If a person is convicted of an offence that carries demerit points, those points may be recorded against their driver’s licence.

What drivers should do now

Before October 1, take a few minutes to get your records in order.

• Check your traffic ticket record.
• Settle outstanding tickets where applicable.
• Make sure your driver’s licence, fitness, registration and insurance are up to date.
• Drive with the points system in mind. Offences such as speeding, reckless driving, improper overtaking, distracted driving and driving under the influence can put lives at risk and may add points to your record.

Does this affect your motor insurance?

The Demerit Point System is separate from your BCIC motor insurance policy.

However, your driving history, claims history, accidents, convictions and licence status may matter when you buy, renew or update motor insurance.

If your licence is suspended, or if there has been a major change in your driving record, speak with your insurer, agent or broker so you understand what it may mean for your policy.

Quick recap

• The Demerit Point System takes effect on October 1, 2026.
• Drivers start at zero points.
• Points are added when certain traffic offences are recorded.
• A driver’s licence may be suspended at 10 or more points.
• The suspension period depends on how many points are accumulated.
• Points below the suspension threshold expire after 15 months.
• Motorists are being encouraged to check and settle outstanding traffic tickets by September 30, 2026.

Source note: Information based on the Road Traffic Act, 2018; Road Traffic Regulations, 2022; and public updates from the Jamaica Information Service.