Reckless drivers may soon have reason to change their ways.
The House of Assembly is considering modernising outdated traffic legislation by upping fines as much as 900 percent, re-aligning with international best practices, and taking other measures designed to improve road safety, leaders said.
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer introduced the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, last Thursday in the HOA.
“The proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Act represent a vital step towards modernising our road safety governance, improving enforcement efficiency, and strengthening penalties to better deter violations,” Mr. Rymer said as he read the bill’s objects and reasons.
He added that existing penalties, many of which are more than 30 years old, are no longer sufficient to discourage dangerous driving.
“The fines and sanctions largely unchanged since 1988 have lost their deterrent effect due to inflation, changes in the value of money, and shifts in societal behaviour,” he said.
Proposed increases
The proposed legislation includes at least 20 sections that increase penalties.
For example, the fine for driving an unlicensed motor vehicle would jump 900 percent from $150 to $1,500 — and the maximum prison term from four months to six, according to the proposed bill Gazetted on June 3.
Additionally, the fine for speeding would increase from $500 to $1,500, and the maximum penalty for reckless and dangerous driving would jump from $500 to $1,500 on the first offence and from $1,000 to $4,500 on subsequent offences. Through regulations passed after the bill moves through the House, Mr. Rymer said, the “fines and sanctions will be clearly defined and updated to reflect the modernised enforcement approach.”
Mr. Rymer also said that consultations were held with key stakeholders, including representatives of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and Department of Motor Vehicles.
“It is imperative that we update this legislation to empower the [RVIPF and DMV] to better manage road traffic, reduce accidents, and encourage greater compliance with traffic laws,” Mr. Rymer said.
Walwyn swings
During the debate, Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn criticised the proposed increase in penalties, accusing the government of using it as a way to raise money.
“I’m not saying in no way that you should not raise fees, but it seems to me, Madam Speaker, that this is an attempt to fill up the government coffers at the expense of the people of this country,” Mr. Walwyn said. “This is what I’m seeing here.”
Mr. Walwyn called some of the fee increases “excessive,” and he took issue with the government imposing such penalties despite the current state of the roads.
“The roads are no good. You’re playing hopscotch on the roads. And now you’re charging the people extra money for a road that ain’t no good,” Mr. Walwyn said. “This is the height of political wickedness.”
Mr. Walwyn, however, supported other amendments, including a provision allowing non-cab registered motor vehicles to temporarily be used as a taxi cabs.
Premier’s defence
Following Mr. Walwyn’s contribution to the debate, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley shot back in defence of the bill.
“If we don’t collect $1 off those fines, I’ll be happy” Mr. Wheatley said. “Because that means that people will respect the laws.”
He added that many of the fines had not been amended in a “very long time.”
“And, Madam Speaker, we do not have the type of discipline we need to have,” he said. “And as a society, we need to practise more discipline. We need to do what is right. A lot of these offences are very serious offences, and the penalties must reflect that.”
All House members contributed to the debate before entering a closed-door committee session to discuss the bill further. The HOA meeting recessed before the members returned from the session.
According to the HOA YouTube page, the House is scheduled to resume on July 22.
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