New road traffic amendment brings steeper fines

The Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025, is now in effect across the territory, introducing new offences and higher penalties to improve road safety, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) announced. 

The legislation was passed by the House of Assembly and assented to on 2 October 2025. It updates several sections of the Road Traffic Act and adds new measures that police say will help modernise enforcement and encourage responsible driving. 

The amended Act introduces new summary offences, including overtaking on a corner or intersection under Section 31A, which carries a fine not exceeding $1,500. Drivers who fail to remain stationary when required to permit a police officer to carry out duties may face fines up to $750 or imprisonment for up to six months under Section 39A. These changes are designed to reduce risky behaviour and improve safety for motorists, pedestrians, and officers responding to incidents. 

The RVIPF also highlighted substantial increases to fixed-penalty fines. Riding a motorcycle without a helmet now carries a penalty of $750, up from $100. Driving an uninsured vehicle now attracts a $300 fine, while failing to stop at a red light carries a $500 penalty. 

Using a vehicle that generates excessive noise above 75 decibels now results in a $1,000 penalty. Motorists with window film, tint, or an obscuring device above the prescribed limit without a permit will face a fixed penalty of $150 per glass. 

Parking offences have also been revised, with several updated fixed-penalty violations now set at $225 under the new Schedule 1 of the Act. The RVIPF said all ticket books must be updated immediately to reflect the new law, and internal processes are underway to ensure full compliance. 

Temporary Interim Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger stated that the amendments represent “a significant step forward in strengthening road safety and improving the territory’s traffic management framework.” 

The RVIPF said it is committed to implementing the Act “professionally, consistently, and with full transparency to maintain public trust and confidence.” The public is encouraged to review the legislation as part of a wider government awareness campaign. 

The laws can be accessed here: 

Road Traffic Act, Revised 2013: https://laws.gov.vg/laws/road-traffic-act-0

Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2025: https://laws.gov.vg/laws/road-traffic-amendment-act-2025