Motorcyclists, so far this year, have accounted for 26 percent of all road deaths occurred in Jamaica. Of the 135 fatalities in 121 crashes, 35 were motorcyclists. As a result, The police have reminded motorcyclists that, under the new Road Traffic Act, they must possess a valid rider’s license. This is necessary to operate on public roads.
During a recent JIS Think Tank, District Constable (DC) Marlon Fletcher, the Motorcycle Fatalities Reduction Strategist at the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), discussed key changes to the Road Traffic Act. He highlighted some of these changes. For example, the amendments have removed a long-standing provision that previously allowed motorcyclists to operate with only a learner’s permit.
According to Fletcher, for many years, it was possible to ride a motorcycle with a learner’s license. But to do so, you had to display an ‘L’ on the front and rear of the motorcycle.
This created a loophole that many riders exploited. And the authorities have turned a blind eye on this violation for many years. As a result, a biker could go to the tax office, purchase a learner’s license, and ride a motorcycle.
The New Road Traffic states that motorcyclists must have popper certification before using public roadways
Fletcher emphasized that the revised legislation now places greater responsibility on motorcyclists. Now they must obtain the proper certification before using public roadways.
Because the new Road Traffic Act states that you must have a valid rider’s licence to operate a motorcycle.
Fletcher further clarified that individuals who only possess a learner’s permit can no longer ride independently.
If you attempt to operate a motorcycle with a learner’s licence, you must have a licensed rider six meters behind you. Notably, this licensed rider must be on a separate motorcycle.
Despite recent legislative changes, Fletcher expressed concern that many motorcyclists are still not obtaining the required licenses. He stated, “We are not seeing compliance from individuals in actually acquiring a rider’s license; they continue to flout the law,” during an interview with JIS News.
Fletcher pointed out that obtaining a motorcycle license is a relatively straightforward process. He encouraged riders to get properly certified. He explained that applicants must complete a practical examination at an examination depot. “They set up a few cones; you navigate through them, give a hand signal, return through the cones, and perform a hill start—that’s it. You get your motorcycle license,” he detailed. “It’s easy to obtain a motorcycle license, but people just aren’t taking the steps to do it,” he concluded.