Belmopan, December 6, 2023.
Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Transportation, has signed three critical statutory instruments to strengthen road safety measures.
The statutory instruments are:
- The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 mandates the use of seatbelts for all passengers in a motor vehicle. The law outlines the type of vehicles exempted and the process for requesting exemptions to this regulation.
- The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Electronic Devices) Regulations 2023 addresses the prohibition of electronic device use while driving, exceptions to this prohibition, and limitations.
- The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Speed Measuring Devices) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 allows the Department of Transport to identify speed measuring devices to enforce speed limits.
All three regulations include penalties for non-compliance and will come into effect on March 1, 2024.
The ministry reminds the public that the law limits the length of equipment on highways to 80 feet. Trucks towing double-hitch 40-foot trailers must stop immediately to avoid legal penalties.
It is illegal to have extra lights that may distract oncoming vehicles. The Department of Transport and the Police Department will actively monitor highways to prevent such violations. Also, vehicles will be inspected during license renewals for additional lighting not originally built into them.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Bernadine Flowers
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Transport
bflowers.pr@gmail.com
