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Saturday 23 August 2014

Offences under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations

A lot of road traffic tickets can be beaten with the right advice. Every time I go to Magistrate's Court I see the errors on tickets, but regular citizens don't realise that a lot of those mistakes can result in a ticket being thrown out.

With that being said, I'm hoping the list below will help persons determine whether or not the ticket received from a Police Officer or Traffic Warden is fair and legal. It will also assist in ensuring that your vehicle is fully compliant with the motor vehicle and road traffic laws of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations are contained in the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act 1934, as amended.

262 comments:

  1. So I heard that a ticket can be thrown out even for minor mistakes, is that true? What are some of the tips you can give us so that a ticket can be thrown out?

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    1. A simple thing as the wrong date gets a ticket dismissed. However, it would be irresponsible of me to facilitate your request. I can' encourage people to duck tickets after breaking the law.

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    2. Got a ticket for parking on a pavement. My court date is tomorrow. Can I pay on the court date?

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    3. i did not get a ticket but my car was wrecked because my wheel was partially on the pathway. That particular part of the footway/ pavement was a decommissioned ramp access to a property that no longer have a gateway so its about 1-2 inches above the road? I would like to know for my knowledge what the MVRT act says about your wheel being on the pavement?

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  2. I got a "no u turn" ticket this morning, the "no u turn" sign was placed there yesterday and I didn't notice it, but on the ticket the officer wrote the wrong date, what can I do?

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    Replies
    1. A wrong date gets a ticket discharged. Go to court, and when the charges are read, all you need to do is say that I was not in that area on that date. Do not harp on the fact that you knew it was the wrong date all along... just pretend you yourself didn't notice and tell the Magistrate that you did not commit an offence on that date, and while it MAY have happened on another date, you cannot be penalised for something you didn't do as claimed by the officer.

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  3. i am to pay two tickets by 9th of april but i would not be able to pay until the end of the month what should i do

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    Replies
    1. Attend court on the date specified on the ticket and request more time from the Magistrate. It's usually granted.

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  4. I got a ticket for using my cellphone ( reading a msg ) in a traffic jam ( bumper -2-bumper). What are the laws surrounding an issue such as this

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  5. According to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Mobile Devices) Regulations made under Section 100 of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act 1934, as amended, you have committed an offence.

    The law doesn't only say that you can't use your device will driving, it says while in charge of vehicle... being in charge is as simple as being in a vehicle with the engine running.

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    1. I got a seatbelt ticket with d incorrect location on the ticket please tell me if I need to pay it or if I can contest it?

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    2. It's beatable, but you should get a lawyer.

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  6. I got a traffic ticket (talking on cell phone) yesterday and have until June 16 to pay. What is the procedure ... do I just go in an pay or do I have to stand in front of a magistrate?

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    1. Up to you.
      1. Accept liability and pay at the court's counter
      2. Deny liability and attend court on the date provided to challenge it.

      If you challenge it and fail, the fine can be increased. If successful, it can be thrown out.

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  7. Hi. I received a ticket this morning for the unauthorized use of the PBR in an area that was granted access due to bridge repairs in Curepe. I was told that the PBR has been closed off even though I have never seen any notice about it. I was told that the sign that had once given permission was taken down and so I should have known that it was no longer legal to use the PBR. However, that sign was removed months before the official access was ended - official access ended on February 28th 2015 whereas the sign has not been seen since last year. I tried talking to the Police officers and they were curt and unwilling to listen. I was taking my sons to school when this happened, and it distressed them and me very much. Furthermore, the ticket has a few errors -typographical error on my middle name, wrong driver's permit number, incorrect address and incorrect vehicle number. I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

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  8. Got pulled over officer say i broke the light i did not!!! Also made a right turn where i was not supposed to on oversight on my part... i was told id get a subpoena for such why wasnt i issued a ticket and whats the cost of this offence. I realise fighting the laws aka officers of this land is a waste of time but karma is a hell of a thing.!!! Please advise

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  9. I completely forgot to pay a ticket (my first ticket ever) that was assigned a court date of April 7th... An attorney told me that I could get arrested on the spot if I attempt to pay it now. Now I'm scared to go pay it. What do I do?

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    Replies
    1. As long as a warrant has been issued, you will be arrested. Send someone else to pay it.

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    2. And if you get a summons

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  10. Is reversing onto a major road an offense?

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    1. Yes, drivers get charged with "careless driving" under section 72 of the Act:

      "Any person who drives a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, is liable to a fine of one thousand dollars and to be disqualified for holding or obtaining a driving permit for such period as the Court thinks fit. On a second or subsequent conviction for a like offence the period of disqualification shall not be less than one month."

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  11. I was issued a ticket on the 9th of March for driving on the PBR... the office that wrote the ticket told me that I have until the 27th of May to pay the fee....Upon looking at the ticket proper 2 weeks later, I saw that I had to attend court on the 22nd of March which was a Sunday.....Now this is my first ticket ever and all my police friends are telling me not to pay because the ticket has the incorrect date on it can I get some views on this as I am considering paying the ticket on Tuesday.

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    Replies
    1. You don't have to pay it. That ticket is void.

      Delete
  12. I got a parking ticket in aranguez, is the magistrate court on st vincent st, pos the only place i can pay it? i really dislike going into the city and having to worry about where i can park.

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    1. If that's what the ticket says, follow instructions.

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  13. I forgot to pay my ticket that I got on May 5th. I fully intend to go to court on July 20th and tell the magistrate that I didn't have the funds to pay at the time. Has a warrant been issued?

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    1. A warrant won't be issued until the court date has passed. Drivers have until the court date to pay the ticket.

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  14. I received a ticket for driving down a street that I could not have at that particular time last Friday. However, my date of birth is incorrect on the ticket. What do u advise I do.

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  15. I got a ticket for parking on a footpath/pavement..but the officer put on the ticket i was penalized under regulation 49 ot the MVRT Act 48:50. However, that regulation is for playing loud music..what do i do?

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    Replies
    1. If it's the wrong charge, go to court and state that at the hearing. It will be thrown out. Don't admit to anything else.

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    2. what is the law dealing with parking on the pavement or footpath?

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    3. 57. No person shall wilfully drive, ride, draw or propel a vehicle or ride an animal upon any footpath or pavement by the side of any road made or set apart for the use or accommodation of pedestrians.

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  16. I got a ticket and my surname is spelt wrong. What do i do

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  17. Am i allowed to travel out of the country before i pay my traffic ticket?

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  18. I received a ticket for drag racing but there were several errors in the ticket. The officer wrote $3000 but placed ($1000) next to it. Also, they wrote that my court appearance date would be July 19th which was a sunday. Upon receiving legal advice I did not pay the ticket and went to court with my lawyer this morning (20th). The South magistrate listened to nothing my lawyer had to say and said that I could not pay the ticket now as the date passed and that my sentencing would be on August 3rd, 2015. What does this 'sentencing' pertain to? Can I go to jail? This is nonsense. I had the $3000 and was willing to pay upon my hearing...

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    1. Whaaaatttt? Your lawyer is a clown!

      A ticket with a Sunday date and you even bothered going to court? That's an AUTOMATIC throwing out.

      Your Lawyer is a crook who wanted to get money from you. Too bad you came here after...

      Delete
  19. Good day

    I received a ticket yesterday for the unauthorized use of the PBR in an area that was granted access due to bridge reconstruction in Curepe.

    The officer informed me that the PBR has been closed off earlier this year and produced a document to me showing that a notice had been put out stating that it was no longer available for use, even though I have never seen any notice about it.

    The sign has not been seen for months and official access ended on February 27th 2015.

    The reason this stretch of bus route was giving access was due to bridge reconstruction which is still ungoing.

    When I asked the officer if they advertised this in media, he said yes, on the radio and on 'Beyond the tape' series. I don't watch TV6 and there is no guarantee that I would have been listening to the radio when that was announced.

    I was ticketed $2000.

    Is there any way to contest this ticket as there was insufficient public advertising?

    Thank You

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  20. Got a ticket 11th june...court date 25th August. ..can i pay ticket tomorrow. ...

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  21. Got a ticket 11th june...court date 25th August. ..14 days since notice....can i still pay ticket....

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    1. Ticket can be paid any time up until the court date.

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  22. I got a ticket because the officer found that my tint was too dark.. But I have my car for over 7 years wit the tint that the dealership gave..

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  23. Is 20% tint too dark/illegal to have on your car windows?

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    Replies
    1. http://trinidadandtobagolegalrights.blogspot.com/2015/08/trinidad-tobago-vehicle-tint-law.html

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  24. I received a ticket yesterday in st James while it had some traffic for driving throw amber light, the officer stopped me and said she is issuing a ticket to me and proceeded to write the ticket, the officer said I was suppose to stop on amber I said as dar as I know amber is to slow and proceed with caution which I did. I told her I did not run the red light. She said I can go to court on the 29 October so I said I will. Am I wrong

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  25. If a police officer makes an error in stating the make of your car for example stating it was a coup instead of a sedan but the license plate number is correct. Is there any chance in court or is this to petty of an issue? Also, if one is stopped by an off duty police officer for a 'bad driver' dangerous driving but while speaking to the indivual uniformed police officers came on the scene and issued a ticket based on the off duty police's account is the ticket still valid although the uniformed police officer did not witness the occurence?

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    Replies
    1. Incorrect type of car stated is minor. Insufficient to beat a ticket.

      A police officer cannot issue a ticket without witnessing the event... I've beaten one before.

      Delete
  26. Ok i get that if the police officer did not witness the event he can't issue the ticket but if an off duty police officer witnessed the event will i stand a chance in court because the off duty police officer stated her account of the incident to the uniformed police officer? What do you advise me to do?

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    Replies
    1. So should i pay or fight it in court?

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  27. A traffic ticket was issued to me that you have to pay within 14 days so that no conviction will take place however i read somewhere that you have until the court case date to pay the fine which is true? Because i have 2 months til the court date whereas 14 days is such little time to organise the money

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  28. Can a ticket be paid in cash when you go to court or must it be done through cheque?

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  29. If you fight a traffic ticket and lose how much does the fine increase by?

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  30. I received a ticket for driving on a no entry, however I did not see the sign and this was also a recent change. Upon investigating the sign was blocked by a shrub and was not noticeable. Can this be challenged?

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  31. Is it true when drivining a heavy t vehicle over 3000 kg tar .. u cant get fined for driving without wearing a seat belt

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  32. Just wondering I got a ticket and the officer wrote 5 multiple times except once.In the "Particulars Of Offence" section he wrote the year as 2018.Can I just say i wasn't there or will the magistrate will just play it off as a 5 when it clearly is an 8.

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  33. If the date is incorrect/illegible/can be questioned in the particulars of offence section what actions can I take?

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  34. I just got a $750 ticket for using my fogllights on my pickup. The officer said it was an authorized used and I should of had a letter from license office telling me I have authorization to use. Even though i told the officer the fog light came with my vehicle from the firm.

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    Replies
    1. Go get the letter and go to court so the judge will throw it out.

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  35. how much time does one have to pay a traffic ticket

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  36. Good day,

    I received a ticket for breaching a traffic sign, however, while i was not aware that i was not suppose to go straight at the top of the intersection the police officer who issued me the ticket breached the very same law, the police officer was driving her motor bike in front of me even before i got to the top, at the top she proceeded straight, when i followed she pulled me over right after i crossed the intersection. When i said to her that she breached the very same law because i basically follow her she said that it doesn't apply to her. Please advise

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    Replies
    1. How do you try to justify you illegal action by comparing to someone else's illegal act?

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  37. Where is it given what kind of hand signal a Traffic Officer is supposed to use while directing traffic? (Witch law/code/instruction/regulation)?

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    Replies
    1. http://www.mowt.gov.tt/general/subcategory.aspx?categoryID=3&subcategoryID=208

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  38. I have never seen any instruction here in Trinidad of what kind of signs a Traffic Officer is supposed to give but I am from Norway and took my driving license there and one of the things we did learn was to never drive towards a Traffic Officer Back or Tummy because that is the same as a no go signal. Because the Traffic Officer was having the back towards me I out of precaution stopped without any other signal was given to me. The Traffic Officer now move backward towards my Right hand side (and by this showing me his side, witch means from where I came from, drive) and he continue so that he comes in the blind spot of my stiffer between the front window and the door, so I can't see him but since he was now side ways and the traffic to turn into Orange Grove Road had been flowing all the time, I assumed that I was clear to continue. As I started rolling forward, I can see the Officer again and I discover that he is giving crossing traffic into Orange Grove Road clear to go. I immediate come back to a full stop and at this time the Traffic Officer sees me. He comes up to the car and I lover my widow. He now says, "So where are you thinking you are going with that motor vehicle?" I got a little offended by that question since he did not say good morning or any thing and in my opinion, he don't have any thing with where I am heading so my answer to him was "I have no idea". that he did not like and ordered me to drive into the parking lot of the bar in that junction and I did. I stopped the car and went out of the car. He came up and asked for driving license and prof of insurance witch I provided him with. He is then telling me that I braced a stop signal given by a legal Traffic Officer. I told him that I did not because he never gave me any signal, (I stopped of my own free will because that was the safest thing to do) and I asked him witch signal he gave me that I should have followed and and explained to him what we do in the country I am from. He then replayed that this is Trinidad and Tobago and I have to follow the instruction given to me (witch was none). I told him I gave a shit and that's when he really took of and I was not allowed to say any more to him. He told me that he would give me 3500 in fine and he hoped that I would not pay it so that he would see me in Court. Well he did not have a the forms to issue a fine so he had to telephone a next officer now. This officer arrived and was discussing what they could give me of fine and I ended up with 1000 in fine not the 3500 he wanted to give me and yes, I will meet him in Court if for nothing less, he told me he hoped to see me there. But what is making me uneasy in this case is that there is no rules (as i see so far) for what signals a Traffic Officer is to use in directing traffic. We all know that when a Traffic Officer is facing you with his/her hand raised then that means stop (that would be common sense) but if we should except that this is Trinidad, then that means we all can get into trouble because a Traffic Officer then can fart and that was for you to stop, and there is no way you can argue that he/she gave a stop signal or not. What is even worst is that how can you get a fine after 66a if there is no common signal given? (most country i know have given signals that Traffic Officers are to use) ? And if the stop signal is not defined how are you suppose to know when you have been given a stop signal from a Traffic Officer unless the signal is the hand held up when facing you, then it should be required that you actually have to hear the word spoken "STOP"

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  39. I have a company vehicle which is leased through a well-known supplier. They failed to provide me with my new insurance before the old one expired. If I took a chance to drive without the new insurance would I be issued a ticket if stopped, or is there a grace period to provide (e.g. 24 hours)?

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  40. Hi i got a ticket for my fog lamps on my 2014 isuzu dmax pick up. The fog lights came with the vehicle. How do i contest this in court?

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  41. Hi i got a ticket for my fog lamps on my 2014 isuzu dmax pick up. The fog lights came with the vehicle. How do i contest this in court?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carry documents from the dealership on the court date.

      Delete
  42. I got a ticket for breaking an amber light, the officer said the light was red and he also charged me for driving dangerously even though I proceeded with caution and cause no obstruction to any other vehicles what so ever... what advice can you give for this? Note the police vehicle was at least 100 meters from the traffic light...

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    Replies
    1. I don't give advice over the internet, if you need legal advice, please contact an Attorney.

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  43. Goodday I got a ticket on the bus route in aranquez at 8:11 am but my surname was spelt wrong using an i instead of an e could i contest that in court or should I pay

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  44. good day. i received a parking ticket at piarco international airport, at the drop off zone...i went to the airport to drop off a person, but before they left the car, i went to the washroom because i suffer from urinary incontinence. The vehicle was still running and when i returned to the vehicle, i saw a security officer speaking to the passenger. He then told me to give him my documents and he wrote me a parking ticket. He said the driver left the car. Would my case stand up in court? There was a passenger in the car, the car was still running, it was at the drop off zone, i was gone for only 2 minutes and i suffer from a medical condition.These security guards are digusting, and this is abuse of power

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  45. Good day, I just got a ticket for no seat belt, I acknowledge is wrong but when you are 4 houses away from home, I told them, they watch my drivers license and saw i live elsewhere they still give me the ticket.

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  46. I got a ticket for going up a newly made one-way street. I was totally unaware that the road was made a one way (a few days before the general elections). I told the officer that I was unaware and up until recently I saw people going up that street. Even when he was issuing my ticket, in a space of 15 mins FOUR other drivers were given tickets for that same offence! This shows how unaware people were of the road being a one way. Is there a chance of me winning this battle in court? Also, the warden who issued the ticket did not put my correct name on the ticket. Do I have a solid case here??

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  47. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    Replies
    1. "did drive vehicle in a dangerous manner contrary to section 71A" - common police talk

      Your defence cannot be, "look other people doing it too, why dem eh get fined?" - pay the fine.

      Delete
  48. good day, i got a ticket for making an illegal U-turn didn't know & didn't see the sign, but i was issued a ticket, upon checking the ticket i saw that the officer wrote the incorrect DP# he was off by one (1) digit the last number, should i take this to court or just pay the ticket?

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  49. I got a ticket on the pbr between orange grove road and five rivers junction in oct I thought I saw the law previously said once I enter and exist between those two points i am not doing anything illegal. Should I pay ticket?

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  50. I got a ticket on the pbr between orange grove road and five rivers junction. I was told previously that the law states I can enter and exit between those two points. Was the law changed?

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  51. Is it true that if a policeman does not show for the court date given on a ticket the case is thrown out? Or is it just adjourned?

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  52. Is it true that if a police officer does not attend the court date of a ticket the ticket is thrown out or is the matter just adjourned

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  53. Adjourned a couple of times first... then thrown out.

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  54. Good day I got a ticket for no wearing my seat bleat but the car number on the ticket is wrong what should I do

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    Replies
    1. Same thing happened to me what did you do ?

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  55. Today i went to court to contest a ticket after waiting 2 hours my name was not called by the mafistrate seeing that an officer told me to go downstairs to be given another date for court to reappear or wait for a summons. Upon speaking with the clerk they said the court has no record of my ticket? So would an office issue me a summons or would it be thrown out becuase I was present to contest the ticket? Is the ticket valid if the court has no record?

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  56. Hi! I someone actually hit my car where i was parked and then drove off. Went to report it and afterward police said I can be fined for where i was, however there is no signage whatsoever to indicate that where i was parked is a no parking zone as they said so themselves. Therefore I'm very confused. Any advice will be appreciated, Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. I don't even know where this is, so I can't provide any help at this time.

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  57. I got a ticket on the pbr between orange grove road and five rivers junction. I was told previously that the law stated I can enter and exit between those two points. Was the law changed? Should I pay ticket?

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  58. I went to court monday to contest a ticket however after waiting 2 hours for my name to be called an officer came to me and said 'go downstairs so you could get another date to contest' i/n doing so I was told by the clerk the court has no record of my ticket meaning the officer who issued it apparently didnt file it she therefore said wait for a summons. Can I then be summoned even if there is no record of the ticket and i was there to contest it on my given court date?

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  59. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  60. i received two tickets for parking.. one for drive on a footpath or pavement and the other for breach of a traffic sign. both from the same officer, at the same time, for the same park. My points are this the place where i was parked was not a pavement, rather is the old entrance to the arima fire station, which is the same level as the road and now fenced off. and the traffic sign was not visible from where i was parked. Nor where there any traffic signs near by- there where equally space traffic signs from the middle of the street to the end, but none visible or equally space in the area where i was parked. Do i have a case? i would really like if you could respond timely, as i only found this site tonight and my court case is tomorrow. Thank you for any assistance rendered.

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  61. i received two tickets for parking.. one for drive on a footpath or pavement and the other for breach of a traffic sign. both from the same officer, at the same time, for the same park. My points are this the place where i was parked was not a pavement, rather is the old entrance to the arima fire station, which is the same level as the road and now fenced off. and the traffic sign was not visible from where i was parked. Nor where there any traffic signs near by- there where equally space traffic signs from the middle of the street to the end, but none visible or equally space in the area where i was parked. Do i have a case? i would really like if you could respond timely, as i only found this site tonight and my court case is tomorrow. Thank you for any assistance rendered.

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  62. Hi I was given two tickets by a traffic warden while waiting in my vehicle with the engine on. I was waiting on park Street on the side with the no parking on Tuesday. I told the traffic warden I would move and she gave me a ticket. I told her that she cannot issue a ticket if I am in my car. She became very abusive and began steupsing. She even threatened to cuff me in my face. This happened outside republic bank park Street where the cameras would have seen that I never came out the vehicle. Do I have to appear in court or is there some other way to deal with and the abusive traffic warden

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  63. On my way home tonight I was issued a ticket for no seatbelt..I was wearing my seatbelt but the front seat passenger wasn't I immediately apologised to the officer that pulled us over and he said "u want to apologise let me show u how to apologise" and I was given the ticket for no seatbelt.should I pay the ticket or can I contest it??

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  64. Got a ticket for breaching traffic sign under Section 66 (b) of Chap 48:00, isn't it 48:50. Also their wasn't any No Entry Sign as the Warden indicated, can I carry pics?

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  65. I got a ticket for breaching a traffic light yesterday.This occurred by the intersection of South Quay and Broadway.I was in the leftmost lane,the light for this lane was not red(I think it was blank) and the light that directs traffic unto the highway was green so I proceeded with caution and made the left turn unto South Quay.This was my first time being stopped by the police and in my ignorance I handled the situation poorly.Was I in the wrong?I am confused as to how that turn is illegal.

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  66. got in an accidental early today an unsure of whether i was wrong or rite in the accident, the police said i need to wait 2 wks for the police report. details of the accident : i was procedding in an easterly dir along the NMR on approach to a gas station loacated on my right hand side i slowed down and place on my rightr indicator lights a vehicle travelling in the westerly dir stoppped to allow me to turn into the gas station but it was tight turn and i was unable to complete the 90 dergree turn on the property of gas station with the front of my vehicle on the right hand and the back of my vehicle on the left hand left. i quickly checked my mirrors and saw no on coming traffic in an easterly dir and place the vehicle into revserve gear and slowly begun to manououver in a backwards dir an vehicle coming from a minor road onto the NMR in vicinty of me was struct. his claim is that i revserse onto his coliiding with him. from my reading of the MVRATA as ammended 2015 Section 36 subsection 1 says otherwise???????

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  67. Good Day I received a ticket on arapita Avenue today for obstructing traffic or so the officer alleged... The ticket has two mistakes the first is the type of car the number plate is correct but instead of chevy cruze she placed hyundai secondly it is the 2nd January 2016 the date for me to appear in court if I don't pay the ticket is on the 15th March 2015... It seems she was still in the past year is this enough grounds to have a ticket thrown out and how do I go about having it dismissed

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    Replies
    1. You don't need to do anything. You cannot attend a hearing in the past. That ticket is null and void.

      Delete
    2. Had this problem. How do I go about handling it? Does the court pick up on this or do I need to notify them of this ?

      Delete
  68. address of court wrong because chaguanas court move long time

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  69. Today i went to court to contest a ticket after waiting 2 hours my name was not called by the mafistrate seeing that an officer told me to go downstairs to be given another date for court to reappear or wait for a summons. Upon speaking with the clerk they said the court has no record of my ticket? So would an office issue me a summons or would it be thrown out becuase I was present to contest the ticket? Is the ticket valid if the court has no record?

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  70. If you have lost a ticket, how can you pay it after the court date has passed?

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  71. I got a ticket for $2000 for tint being too dark. The vehicle belongs to my friend but I've used it on more than one occasion since then through road blocks and haven't been given any ticket. The court date is January 2015 but the ticket was given October 2015. I was prepared to go to court to at least get more time to pay or something since I am a single parent with a special needs child. Close to the court date I realized the 9th was a Saturday and after I noticed that the year was wrong. What can I do?

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  72. Hi...The other day I was heading south down colville street towards ariapita avenue in traffic and pulled out with no oncoming traffic to take the next right .The officer pulled me aside and told me I passed too many cars and that (although no cars I "passed" made the right ) The ticket I received says it was for improper overtaking . Can it be contested ?

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  73. Today i went to court to contest a ticket after waiting 2 hours my name was not called by the mafistrate seeing that an officer told me to go downstairs to be given another date for court to reappear or wait for a summons. Upon speaking with the clerk they said the court has no record of my ticket? So would an office issue me a summons or would it be thrown out becuase I was present to contest the ticket but i dont believe the court has a record? Is the ticket valid if the court has no record? Another officer said that a warrant for arrest can be issued

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  74. If a financial institution sells a repossessed vehicle and the member has signed the transfer form but is unwilling to visit Liscense office to complete the transaction,what can the financial institution do.

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  75. i Got a ticket with no court written on it. is that void?

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  76. Got a ticket for aftermarket fogs on my vehicle but it was off. Its always off. Can i challenge?

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  77. i was given a ticket today for failure to wear a seatbelt. which i was wearing. i just didnt go balistic on the officer because of the person i was with. and then the officer puts my surname wrong on the ticket. what happens tehre

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  78. i was given a ticket today for failure to wear a seatbelt. which i was wearing. i just didnt go balistic on the officer because of the person i was with. and then the officer puts my surname wrong on the ticket. what happens tehre

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  79. I Got a ticket 10th March 2016 for adjusting my seat belt while driving. Oficcer stopped me and told me he giving me a ticket for my seatbelt not being on when it was. Also on the ticket at first the vehicle number is correct at the bottom where the vehicle particularsmarenthe vehicle number is wrong what should I do

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  80. I got a ticket for parking within 9 meters of the curb. I believed I parked more than 9 meters from the curb. There was no yellow lines.
    So I challenged the officer who wrote me the ticket, and asked him were do you measure the 9 meters from. His first answer was from the beginning of the curb, and then he said from a road sign post that was very near the beginning of the curb. I told him that he was guessing. He told me he is a police officer so he must know.
    I am going to attend court for this matter on Wednesday. I just wanted to know, does a police officer have to have some kind of device to measure 9 meters from the curb.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's the same thing I have been arguing for years... Without lines or a measuring instrument, it makes no sense to give a ticket based on a guess.

      Delete
  81. So I got a ticket for holding/using a cell phone. All I did was take the phone out of my pocket and place it in the holder next to my seat. Note that the vehicle was stopped waiting for traffic to flow in another direction. What should I do?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is an offence as long as the key is in the ignition.

      Delete
    2. Read the MVRT mobile device regulation. The regulations Do Not apply is the vehicle is parked lawfully, off the roadway, not impeding traffic and not in motion. U can safely use or hold your cell phone in those situations according to the law

      Delete
    3. If the vehicle is not in motion it is not.

      Delete
  82. Do the courts take cash for a ticket?

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  83. Got a ticket for not wearing my seatbelt Although i know this is wrong the vehicle number entered to the top is incorrect however the one entered in the specific details of the incident to the bottom is, is this good grounds for the ticket to be thrown out ?

    ReplyDelete
  84. Hi,
    I got a ticket for driving on the pavement. But the warden wrote down it is an offense according to Reg 57. There is no Reg. 57. Driving on the pavement is under Reg. 37. Is that enough to get dismissed?

    ReplyDelete
  85. i am getting alot of conflicting reports, can a person drive a car out of the port in Port of Spain that just arrived from japan. obviously the car will have no registration plates. several persons say that you must have a one day insurance. is this true?

    ReplyDelete
  86. Hi my husband received a ticket but we lost the actual paper we cant remember if the date for the payment n the court date passed what should we do

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  87. Hi
    Got a ticket for inappropriate overtaking from left. The officer could not properly identify my car. He pulled over a car similar to mine as well and let him go. After I passed him he then came up to me on the right lane(lights on red) and said I was on the shoulder, I said I was always on the right lane, then he said another vehicle pointed out my vehicular number out to him.
    Plus the court appearence is 11 July 20. Yes year 20
    What is my options.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How should i proceed. Should do I do nothing?
      What would happen if the supposed court date comes, will I be issued a warrant?

      Delete
  88. I got a ticket for disobeying a no parking sign infront of unit trust co-operation however the traffic warden wrote UTT. Can the tkt be contested?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, say that you were never in front of UTT. Do not admit to any offence at UTC.

      Delete
  89. Hi i got a ticket 8 months ago but left the country to live now i am back on vacation and saw it in the car wanting to drive the car and willing to do the right thing can i go pay the ticket or will i b arrested

    ReplyDelete
  90. Good day got a ticket for driving with out insurance. Explained that i did not have the current insurance with me. Is there a time frame like 24 hours that is allowed to present the insurance?

    ReplyDelete
  91. hi i got a ticket but the officer misspelt my name ,,,should i go to court or just pay it ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I got the same thing as well and I'm wondering what to do and in addition to that the ticket given is $750 but I was given it for $1000.

      Delete
    2. It depends on how wrong. One or two letters... pay it. A totally different name: ticket invalid and there's no need to even go to court. Incorrect fine: go to court and argue your case that it's invalid.

      Delete
  92. Good day, I received a ticket (5th May 2016)for breaching a no entry sign between a designated time frame.The particulars on the ticket states that I have 14 days to pay or if paid afterward, the payment will be returned and proceeding will begin against me.The stated court date is 19th July 2016. Do I have to abide by the 14 days or can I safely pay the fine before the 19th July?

    ReplyDelete
  93. I got a ticket for having Daylight running lights installed on my car. The officer said it didn't come with the car. I installed them for safety reasons. The ticket says defective fittings. What fittings are defective if the ticket was for Daylight Running lights. I want to contest. Should I?

    ReplyDelete
  94. Hi,i got a ticket about 10pm for driving a vehicle without two headlamps.i explained to the officer that i just pulled off and only drove for about 2oo feet before he stopped me and i realised that only my parked lights was on. My head lights work perfect. What should i do?

    ReplyDelete
  95. hi i got to tickets in 2010 however, the vehicle which the tickets was being kept got stolen. I however got back the vehicle but lost all my document etc in it. I totally forgot all about the tickets at that time since my concern was about getting my car back. I however pay my tickets after that and inquired whether i had any outstanding and they said no. Recently though while handling some business at a station they did a check on my name and said i had a warrant out for 2 unpaid tickets in 2010. One of the officer's told that is possible and its just how messed up basically the system is. They took me to court and now i have a date with the court and would some how have to find $20000.Is there any way of getting out of this?

    ReplyDelete
  96. are there any Case laws or examples of tickets getting thrown out or matters discontinued with regards to typos, misspellings, incorrect sections cited, etc on tickets?

    ReplyDelete
  97. Hi I got a ticket for parking in a usual parking lane, that had no parking on that specific day. The no parking signs were far of and didnt seem like it was related to the area where I was parked. The ticket was left on my car and found it when I returned. The officer got no name, license or address. Should I pay?

    ReplyDelete
  98. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  99. hi good day i got a ticket for unauthorized lights i really didn't know the light on my windscreen washer nozzle was illegal and was will to take it off then and there but the office still issued me the ticket can i contest it or should i pay

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure where that is in the law, but if you got a ticket for that type of offence, you should pay it.

      Delete
  100. I pulled to the side of the road in the croisee between 1st Street and 2nd street on the saddle road to collect some money from a guy that was waiting for me. within the few seconds that it took for him to hand it to me through the passenger window an officer nearby came up to the car and ordered me to switch off my vehicle. He then told me that he will be giving me a tickey for unauthorized parking . There is a no parking sign on the same side of the road that I was on however I never exited the vehicle, my seat belt was still on and the car still in drive.there is no "no stopping sign" only a no parking sign. It is in my opinion that since there is no "no stopping sign and since I considered what I did to be stopping rather than parking I should not have received this ticket. My question is; is there a difference between stopping and parking as defined by our traffic laws?

    ReplyDelete
  101. I got into a minor accident on a roundabout in entered onto the left lane because I was exiting left onto the highway and another driver whose vehicle was parallel to mines entered unto the right ( inner lane) I kept my lane and my front right side wheel was parallel to her rear left wheel.the driver on the inner lane was made no indications that she was switching lanes she just pulled on me to an exit on the left. So I sounded my horn and pulled to the side but since she was cutting me off her left rear wheel smudged my bumper and my fender got dented. I got a letter to take to her insurance company because the damages repair cost falls below my excess but her insurance refuses to pay even though my insurance company proved she was the wrong party. What should I do I get compensation for repairs?

    ReplyDelete
  102. I was given a ticket by an officer who firstly hurled something very insulting to me for an offense I didn't even know was actually an offense. If it is an offense then I get that. But what about the instance of insulting me as a maxi driver, telling me that if I didn't know that was an offense then I shouldn't be driving a a maxi taxi. Isn't it the commissioner of transport who is eligible to determine whether or not someone is fit to operate a motor vehicle or not? I proceeded to explain to the officer that the vacant spot that was on the stand wasn't there when I left and had I even known that if I failed to occupy a vacant spot then that is a charge but was aggressively turned down. However on examination of the "Fixed Penalty Notice" I realized that the person the ticket was addressed to doesn't exist. That's not the way my name is spelt. Where should I proceed from there?

    ReplyDelete
  103. What happens if you miss the courts date that i was intended to contest my ticket.

    ReplyDelete
  104. I was given a ticket for breach of traffic sign - no parking section 66(b) of M.V.R.T.Act, 48:50, alongside Maracas bay. I was in my vehicle which was still running when the officer approached me, I stated I was not parked but was idling and will move immediately, she still issued the ticket. Can section 108. (1) (a) be applied here or its specifically related to the towing of a vehicle in a no parking zone, once the driver is present they will be required to move without a ticket being issued/towed. Can I be issued a ticket if I am in a running vehicle?

    ReplyDelete
  105. Hi. Question. Can a traffic ticket be challenged for an incorrect time? The alleged offence is a no entry between 6:30 and 8:30 on long circular which required a turn off to the right which the driver did not observe till they crossed the intersection as they were new to the area and the sign was after the cross over. The ticket states the offence happened at 7:10am and the ticket was given at 7:15 am, but the driver was in their bed at that time...the driver was at that intersection at 8:18am. Apart from being pulled over into the police station without being told why in the roughest of manners and their case not heard it was disappointing to see the wrong time on the ticket that was given to the driver neatly folded so that there was no chance to read it then and promptly being told to put on their seatbelt and leave, still not clear how to navigate the one way once leaving. Your thoughts would be helpful, thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  106. Good day, I got a ticket today for $2000.00, I was on madras road heading towards st. Helena, there was a road block and the officer pulled me over, he said he was unable to see me through my front windscreen, I had the normal UV tint installed and told me I have to remove that tint. (I did) and he proceeded to write the ticket. On the ticket he wrote that the offence happened at St. Helena Junction, but I was on madras road on the corner of madras and caroni south bank road, I'm not sure if that is considered St. Helena junction. Is that enough to get the ticket thrown out? Is there anyway to get it thrown out? My tint guy said it's the normal 50% UV he installed and everyone I know said it was quite clear and visibility was not a problem.

    ReplyDelete
  107. hi i got a ticket at the tunapuna market. i pared where i normally would to offload my god with my van . there was a no stopping sign and another saying except to drop off and pick up passengers. i was given a ticket under chap 48:50 for parking. Am i wrong, and should i pay this ticket?

    ReplyDelete
  108. Is it possible to reschedule a court date for contesting a ticket? I may be out of the country on the date given

    ReplyDelete
  109. Misplaced my ticket and just found it back. Missed the date given to pay, but still within the period before court date. Can I still pay?

    ReplyDelete
  110. last nite i got a ticket for no headlamps which i had on my fogs n park light... i forget to put on the headlamp but i now turn out my street too... also the officer write the wrong date on the ticket.. i can contest d ticket sir

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wrong date is a void ticket. You did not commit an offence on that day...

      Delete
    2. thank u very much sir...can u explain dat offence driving without headlamps

      Delete
    3. A headlamp is the light attached to the front of a vehicle to see the road ahead.

      Delete
  111. Hey got a ticket for improper overtaking on the left lane, however I was in the center lane trying to turn right as no one was allowing me to merge into the right lane in addition to there being no arrows on the ground. Contest or pay?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Turn from the middle lane? Are you mad? There's no valid excuse for that... steups!

      Delete
  112. Good day.
    The incorrect license registration number was quoted on my ticket (a 'b' instead of a 'd' was placed). Does this make the ticket void?

    ReplyDelete
  113. Good day.
    Got a ticket an fail to pay it, court day has passed already but i got a new summons, could i pay it before the next court day

    ReplyDelete
  114. Hello,
    I got a speeding ticket on 20th September, but misplaced it - however I found it now and wants to pay it. It says failure to pay within 14 days I have to appear in court on 29th November; can I still pay it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you have until the date of hearing to pay the fine, it is an allowance made by the chief magistrate.

      Delete
  115. Question. I got a ticket for playing music in the car. The officer pulled me over saying that my music was to loud, i then asked him. what exactly is to loud because my music is not, i only have two speakers and the volume was not even turned all the way up. He then said to me that playing music on the whole is banded from cars and maxis and that i cannot play music, only radio. my ticket states playing musical instrument while driving.. is this legit cause it sounds bogus to me

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MVRT Regulations
      49. No musical instrument shall be played, no noisy instrument shall be played or operated in any motor vehicle, whilst in motion, except on the written permission of the Licensing Authority; and any person who plays or operates any such instrument in contravention of this regulation and the driver of the vehicle who permits such instrument to be played or operated is each guilty of an offence against this regulation.

      I would challenge it... there is nothing to prove how loud you were playing it. This is an easy matter to win.

      Delete
    2. It is nice to see you quoting the regulation, but at no time did the regulations say "loud" your advice is there is nothing to prove he/she was playing it loud, however the law say musical or noisy.

      Delete
    3. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/noise

      noun
      1. sound, especially of a LOUD, harsh, or confused kind:

      Stop being a troll.

      Delete
  116. Hello. I was stopped for entering a merge lane too early and not following the arrows painted on the road. I am a female driver, and was exiting out of traffic to turn left into my neighbourhood. I was apologetic when the officer explained what I had been doing wrong, as I had not realized it was illegal. The officer, who acted in a condescending and arrogant manner, told me that he chose not to issue a ticket but instead I would receive a summons to appear before a magistrate. Is this a normal procedure? And, if so, would you happen to know what the normal lead time is before I receive the summons? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Doesn't make sense... you must receive a ticket first.

      Delete
    2. Of course it makes sense, if at the time the police is not in possession of a ticket book, then a summons may be issued for you to answer the charges, once a summons is served and you do not appear a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

      Delete
  117. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  118. In need of some clarification .. My husband and I were parked in Arima apparently in an illegal spot. We both didn't see the sign (of course we know ignorance of the law is no excuse) However, I was in the passenger side and he stepped out to buy food on the side. The Officers came up to the car and immediately started to write his ticket and asked me for the driver so I called my husband right away while also attempting to ask the Officer what was the offence. He ignored me and continued his ticket. Now I am a driver as well so when my husband arrived he asked the Officer how come he didn't ask me the passenger anything. The Officer said only if it was the wrecker he would have allowed it as someone as in the car and then something about them (him and his fellow Officers eating tonight). So my question is wasn't he supposed to give me the option to move before just starting his 'eat-a-food' bid. NB: The car registration and licence is in my name.

    ReplyDelete
  119. morning,
    i received a $1000 ticket today, DIVALI, PUBLIC HOLIDAY, in a drop off/no parking zone in front of Tunapuna market on Sat 29th Oct.
    Question: are parking laws relaxed on public holidays in Trinidad? meanwhile other cars were parked directly on the corner road north of Tunapuna market and police officer did nothing when i told him about it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laws apply every day, unless otherwise stated.

      Delete
  120. Goodnight, today I was issued a speeding ticket. The problem is that TWO officers were standing in the left and centre lanes of the Solomon Hochoy Highway at 2:45pm on a Monday! So I was in moving traffic! I had to take the first exit after the police so I am sure that I was going slowly at what I thought might have been around 50/60 km/h. Two sets of officers were on the road, in plain sight for everyone to see and slowdown if they needed to. When I was stopped for speeding I thought that the readout would clear up everything so I waited and to my horror I saw that it is said that I was going at 93 km/h. Because my eyes were not constantly on the speed meter, I can understand if I was up to 65 km/h,which I thought was the speed limit of a van. But I absolutely can’t understand a readout that is stating 93 km/h in traffic. Please advise me.

    ReplyDelete
  121. I was issued a ticket in Tobago for driving while holding a mobile device. I wasn't holding the phone but it was on my lap. Should i pay the ticket or contest ?

    ReplyDelete
  122. Today, I received a ticket for defective tyres (smooth) front left tyre. However, my tyre is recently purchased and in no way are defective. Could the officer's opinion of a smooth tyre be valid? Contest or Pay? Another point to note is that for my address he left out what street I live on just the Area for eg LOT # Five Rivers Arouca. NOt mentioning the street I live on at all. Is this sufficient evidence to contest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The address issue is no. If you have your receipts for the tyres, challenge it.

      Delete

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