Reports indicate that the fines for traffic violations have been raised in order to maintain order in the public transportation sector. Buses are often spotted picking up and dropping off passengers at random. This reckless behavior poses a threat to the traffic  safety. Bus drivers who do not have a permit will reportedly be given a fine of  SRD 1,500. If a bus driver does not have the mandatory vehicle insurance, he or she will be given a hefty fine of  SRD 7,500. Reports indicate that bus drivers are not the only ones to dig deep into their wallets. Drivers and moped riders risk getting a fine of SRD 2,000 if they are caught with their phone in their hands and talking on it while driving. The ban on texting while driving and talking on the phone while driving is aimed at reducing the number of traffic accidents.

The new list of fines also focuses on the protection of pedestrians, children and blind people who are visually impaired. Drivers who fail to give right of way to blind people with a visual impairment who cross the street with the recognizable white pole will be given a fine of  SRD 1,500.  (Editor’s note: blind people probably refers to people with a visual impairment) The same hefty fine is given to drivers who fail to stop when a funeral procession or motorcade passes by. Moped riders who fail to provide a proper and safe seat to children who are younger than 10 years are given a fine of SRD 250 per child. Drivers of vehicles with 2 wheels who do not wear a helmet will be confronted with fines that amount to SRD 1,000 while those who wear their helmet incorrectly will also receive a fine. Drivers who overload their vehicles or who put the load incorrectly will also be given a fine which could be as high as SRD 20,000. The new fines went into effect on July 15th.