Traffic police across several regional divisions are calling for intervention from authorities regarding the increasing public safety threat posed by the open sale of illegal vehicle accessories, including tinted films, colored headlamps, and unauthorized license plates.
During a recent Road Safety and You program, multiple officers expressed their frustration that many of the modifications they routinely charge drivers for are readily available in the market, creating a cycle of offenses.
“We are working very hard, but I wish there could be a conversation with those dealers who are selling these lights,” said Sergeant Mitchell Caleb from the Cove and John Police Station. He emphasized the need for collaboration to address the issue.
The discussion focused primarily on colored lights and excessively tinted windshields, which violate Guyana’s road traffic laws. Officers confirmed that drivers caught using these illegal modifications face revocation of their fitness certificates and are given a grace period to remove the offending items before returning for re-examination. However, the problem persists.
Inspector Roberts, in charge of traffic at the Tuschen Police Station, shared instances where drivers refused to comply, stating, “The driver said, ‘you’re not taking off, take me to the station.’” In such cases, the fitness certificate is revoked, and charges are pursued.
Earl Lambert, Chairman of the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC), noted that despite enforcement efforts, many drivers reapply tints and replace lights shortly after inspections. “They come back, they’re examined, they get back the fitness, and they go back and they put on back the tint,” he explained, raising concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement without commercial accountability.
According to the law, any alterations to a vehicle after fitness approval must be authorized and examined again by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and relevant agencies. “You cannot use ignorance of the law to get away with anything,” Lambert stressed.
Police reiterated that compliance starts with vendors refraining from stocking items that breach traffic laws. Sergeant Caleb added, “Those people who are importing things to sell need to know what is right and what is not right.”
The panel urged the Ministry of Trade and other regulatory bodies to review licensing for auto dealers and enforce product bans where necessary. Meanwhile, the GPF continues its patrols and night operations targeting non-compliant vehicles, revoking fitness certificates and pursuing charges as needed.
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