– weekly report nets 2,518 violations countrywide

A RECENT traffic enforcement report has revealed persistent safety challenges on Guyana’s roads, particularly concerning the failure to wear helmets and unlicensed driving.
From 26th October to 1st November 2025, the Guyana Police Force recorded 2,518 traffic violations, underscoring the importance of physical police presence in preventing accidents.
Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, when contacted by this publication, noted that if officers were not physically present on the roads, nearly 80 unlicensed drivers, individuals who have neither sat theoretical exams nor completed practical driving tests, would have gone undetected.
“These enforcement operations are crucial in preventing accidents that could otherwise claim lives,” Singh emphasised.
HELMET-RELATED VIOLATIONS REMAIN HIGH
The report revealed 201 cases of drivers failing to wear safety helmets, and an additional 43 cases where riders carried pillion passengers without helmets.
Under Guyana’s traffic laws, both motorcycle operators and their pillion passengers are required to wear protective helmets. Traffic authorities continue to stress that helmets are the single most effective measure in reducing serious injuries and fatalities in motorcycle accidents.
The week-long enforcement initiative also recorded: Speeding: 219 cases; Seatbelt violations: 92; Driving under the influence: 40; Tinted motor vehicles: 242; Faulty packing: 16; Unlighted vehicles (front/rear): 87; Breach of prescribed fitness conditions: 68; Leaving vehicles in dangerous positions: 183; and Traffic light signal breaches: 7.
Beyond enforcement, the Traffic Department conducted extensive lectures and outreach programmes across schools, bars, taxi parks, and public spaces in Regions 1 through 9. Schools visited included Rhema Global Academy, Stella Maris Primary, West Ruimveldt Secondary, and Queenstown Primary, among others. Educational programmes targeted drivers, riders, patrons, and the general public to raise awareness about road safety, helmet use, and compliance with traffic laws.
Outreach locations ranged from Georgetown intersections and Timehri Public Road to remote areas such as Mahdia, Lethem, and Mabaruma, reflecting a commitment to nationwide traffic safety awareness. These activities were complemented by radio programmes and community engagement efforts, aiming to reduce traffic violations and enhance public understanding of road safety protocols.
Traffic authorities reiterated that proper helmet use and licensure are non-negotiable safety measures. Singh warned that failure to comply not only endangers riders but also compromises the safety of other road users.