Traffic headquarters officer cites Section 11 of Motor Vehicle Act as GRA flags rise in unregistered vehicles on public roads
Assistant Superintendent of Police Sherwin Henry has issued a firm warning to motorists across Guyana that driving unregistered vehicles is a breach of the law and carries penalties including a $150,000 fine or three months in prison.
Speaking on a Traffic Watch broadcast, Henry, who is stationed at Traffic Headquarters, pointed to Section 11 of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, which expressly prohibits the use of any unregistered vehicle on public roadways. He stressed that the responsibility for compliance rests squarely with vehicle owners and extends to anyone who permits an unregistered vehicle to be driven.
“No vehicle is to be driven on the road while it’s not registered. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that his vehicle or her vehicle is registered, and anyone who permits anyone to drive or is the owner of that said vehicle who fails to comply with the act shall be liable to a conviction of an offence of $150,000 or three months in prison,” Henry stated.
He further reminded drivers of their individual obligation to ensure that any vehicle they operate carries the required registration plates and relevant authority. “You, the drivers, have the responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is carrying the relevant authority and has the same registered. Failing to do so, you will be charged and placed before the court, and you’re liable to a fine of $150,000 or three months in prison,” he added.
The warning comes as police continue to ramp up public awareness on traffic violations as part of broader efforts to improve road safety and ensure compliance with motor vehicle laws.
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has separately noted with concern a growing number of unregistered motor vehicles on public roadways in recent years. The authority has reminded importers, investors and vehicle owners of the terms and conditions governing the release of vehicles from city wharves, which restrict their use until registration has been completed. Owners have 14 days to take corrective action by engaging the customs, excise and trade operations and licence revenue office to have their vehicles duly entered and registered.
The GRA cautioned that failure to comply within that window will result in collaboration with the police to have such vehicles detained.
