Motorists are being reminded that failing to carry a physical driver’s license or neglecting to update their address can result in penalties. Inspector Naresh Khanoo, overseeing traffic in Regional Division Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara), recently made this announcement during the “Road Safety and You” program.
According to Inspector Khanoo, it is mandated by law that drivers must keep their licenses on their person at all times while operating a vehicle. He stated, “If you are driving your motor vehicle, at all times you must have your driver’s license on you so that when you are being stopped by the Police in uniform and you are being asked to produce that document, you must produce it.”
The driver’s license is one of the key documents requested by police during traffic stops. Not having a valid license in hand is a ticketable offense under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.
Police have also noted instances of drivers attempting to present digital copies of their licenses on mobile devices. However, Khanoo clarified that while officers may sometimes exercise discretion if they have previously verified a driver’s license, drivers should not rely on this flexibility. “Producing that document on the phone is not applicable… it’s just a form of flexibility,” he explained.
Sergeant Ali from the Den Amstel Police station emphasized the necessity of updating license addresses. “If a person holds a valid license and moves from one address to another, it is required for them to update the same at the Guyana Revenue Authority,” he stated.
Authorities are urging all motorists to ensure they have their physical driver’s license on hand at all times and that their address is current to avoid complications during traffic checks.
