Crackdown on Reckless Driving in St. Kitts and Nevis

Government Introduces Stronger Fines and Penalties for Motorists

New Penalties Aim to Crack Down on Reckless and Careless Driving

Basseterre, St. Kitts – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has introduced stronger fines and penalties for motorists who violate the country’s traffic laws, as part of its broader approach to create safer roads for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Legislative Amendments

The stricter penalties came into effect with the passing of the Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, during the January 30, 2025, sitting of the National Assembly. The Bill was moved by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew.

Increase in Fines and Penalties

The legislative amendments saw increases in the maximum penalties for reckless driving, persons driving at speeds deemed dangerous to the public, and persons found driving under the influence of drink or drug. Prime Minister Drew said the underlying purpose of these amendments is to save lives.

Government Commitment

“Most of these accidents can be prevented if people just follow the basic traffic rules,” said Prime Minister Drew. “And so if we are having a problem with people following the traffic rules then we will come to this Parliament and pass the necessary laws to make sure that people follow the necessary rules because losing thirteen (13) lives, Madame Speaker, is something that should never happen again.”

New Measures

The government will also implement and utilize technology in its pursuit of creating safer roads for all. In this regard, Prime Minister Drew said cameras at the various traffic lights will now facilitate the introduction of an automated ticketing system in the federation.

“This is how serious we are, Madame Speaker,” Dr. Drew said, underscoring his government’s commitment to saving lives from reckless and careless driving.

Public Reporting System

A new public reporting system will allow citizens to submit dashcam or video footage of instances of reckless driving. Video evidence can be submitted anonymously, and if that evidence leads to conviction, the individual may be eligible to receive a monetary reward of up to $5,000.

Duty-Free Concessions

In support of the anonymous reporting system, the government announced that effective today, with the passage of the legislation, duty-free concessions on the importation of dashboard cameras for vehicles.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Drew urged citizens, residents, and visitors to St. Kitts and Nevis to “drive responsibly and to stay vigilant in making our roads safer for all.”

FAQs

Q: What are the new penalties for reckless and careless driving?

A: The maximum penalties for reckless and careless driving have increased from $4,000 to $6,000-$8,000, with repeat offenders facing a fine of up to $20,000. Driving under the influence of alcohol or any substance that alters your judgment now carries a fine of up to $10,000 in the first instance and a fine of up to $20,000 for repeat offences, with longer imprisonment terms.

Q: How will the government use technology to create safer roads?

A: The government will utilize cameras at traffic lights to facilitate the introduction of an automated ticketing system and allow citizens to submit dashcam or video footage of instances of reckless driving through a new public reporting system.

Q: What is the purpose of the new public reporting system?

A: The purpose of the new public reporting system is to allow citizens to submit evidence of reckless driving, which can be used to bring offenders to justice and create a safer environment for all road users.

Q: What is the reward for submitting evidence of reckless driving?

A: If the evidence submitted leads to a conviction, the individual may be eligible to receive a monetary reward of up to $5,000.