TRAFFIC CHIEF Mahendra Singh is warning drivers of state and joint services vehicles that they will be ticketed and charged like every other motorist, stressing that the upcoming demerit-point system leaves no room for discretion and no privileged categories.
Addressing the launch of the Christmas Policing Plan, Singh was direct, “Don’t think for one moment that because the vehicle belongs to a state or government agency you are exempted. The agency or entity is exempted, [but] you, the driver, can and will be ticketed or charged.”
The Traffic Chief said the culture of some government drivers treating their vehicles as having special access must end immediately. He noted several recent incidents where government-registered vehicles were caught breaching traffic rules.
Pointing to two examples captured on camera, Singh said: “Do not take the state’s assets, depart with it on the road and deprive the general masses. There is an implication — you will be charged or ticketed.”
He also referenced cases where sirens were misused by Joint Service vehicles, including one heading into a Chinese restaurant. “This is not acceptable! There is no exemption,” he said.
Singh stressed that the forthcoming demerit-point system, which removes discretionary waivers, will apply uniformly across the board.
“The demerit-point system is coming. There will be no discretion to be exercised,” he said.
The Traffic Chief tied the warning to broader discipline as Guyana’s traffic volumes grow rapidly.
“With more vehicle imports, expanded roadways, and greater movement of goods and people, the law must apply evenly. Road safety has no title, no rank, no status,” he said.
He also reminded public-sector drivers that illegal parking, obstruction, dangerous stops, speeding, and failure to obey traffic signals will attract the same penalties imposed on private motorists.
“Comply with the rules of the road. Do not leave your motor vehicle in a dangerous position. Do not use the shoulders. Do not misuse the road network because you think you have authority,” Singh urged.
Singh said continuous use of Safe City cameras, Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) and regional command centres means violations by any vehicle including state-owned will be captured.

“We are operating in real time,” he said. “The cameras help us refine our service and ensure that everyone is compliant.”
He reiterated that the Traffic Department’s mandate for the holiday season is rooted in fairness, visibility and responsibility.
“It is all of us in the same equation,” Singh said. “Personal responsibility starts with each of us.”