The high command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, JCF, has issued detailed guidance to police personnel about the issuing of traffic tickets.
This in the wake of numerous complaints from motorists that they’ve been incorrectly ticketed and fined for using electronic devices while driving.
Daina Davy reports.
Since February 1, 2023, the JCF, through the new Road Traffic Act has been empowered to issue traffic tickets to individuals using cellular phones and other electronic devices while driving.
But the high command issued a statement on Friday saying it has received several complaints about instances where motorists have been ticketed under circumstances that do not constitute a violation of the law.
According to the high command, it not an offence to have a mobile phone in your lap, pocket, on the passenger seat or middle compartment of the car.
It is not an offence to use a phone after pulling off the road and stopping the vehicle. Neither is it an offence to have a phone mounted on the dashboard of your car for navigation purposes.
The JCF is advising police personnel and motorists that it is an offence under the Road Traffic Act, if drivers are seen with a mobile phone in their hand.
It is also an offence if a driver is actively engaging with a mobile phone to include dialling, texting or watching videos.
The high command adds that drivers can also be prosecuted if seen using a device while in a live traffic lane or even if they’re at a stop light.
It is also an offence to have a mounted device in tour car displaying live images.
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