As concerned citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, we are compelled to speak out against the exorbitant road traffic fines being imposed on our people. While road safety is a priority for every citizen, the current system of "strict enforcement" has become a tool of financial oppression against the working class.

Recent public statements by government officials have characterized the country as a “lawless dump” and framed vehicle defects as dishonesty rather than hardship. As working citizens, we reject this narrative and offer a more honest account of the economic and infrastructural realities facing ordinary drivers.

It is deeply unjust to levy doubled penalties on citizens while our roads remain riddled with potholes and neglected maintenance. We are being punished for vehicle defects—such as damaged windscreens and worn tires—that are often the direct result of the Government’s failure to maintain safe and traversable roadways.

The Economic Reality
When the Government publicly characterizes the country as a ‘lawless dump,’ it must also confront the economic and infrastructural conditions it (current and predecessors) has created:

• The Income Crisis: A minimum wage worker takes home approximately $3,553.33 per month. The majority of our workforce earns between $3,500 and $6,000.
• The Impossible Window: The Government’s proposed "3-to-7-day warning period" to fix defects is detached from reality. A windscreen or tire replacement can cost over $2,000, representing more than 50% of a monthly salary. A 3-day window does not allow a worker to reach their next payday to afford repairs.
• The Debt Trap: Under current law, if a fine is not paid within 30 days, it escalates by 50%. For a struggling family, a single ticket plus the late fee can consume an entire month's grocery and utility budget.

Our Demands for Justice
We respectfully demand that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago:

Extend the "Fix-It" Warning Window to 30 Days: To align with national pay cycles, the warning period for non-safety-critical defects must be extended to a minimum of 30 days.                                                  Suspend the 2026 Fine Increases: Implement an immediate moratorium on the recent doubling of fines until a national audit shows that 70% of secondary roads have been rehabilitated.
Abolish the 50% Late Payment Escalation: For citizens earning below the personal income tax threshold ($7,500/month), replace automatic penalties with a fair, fixed-rate installment plan.
Equality in Infrastructure: Ensure road repair funds are distributed equally across all regions, so rural drivers are not disproportionately penalized for "defects" caused by neglected roads.

We stand together to demand that our leaders listen to the people. We are not asking for lawlessness; we are asking for equity. 

Sign this petition to show your support. Demand that the government fixes the roads before they fix the fines.

 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why use the "$7,500 Income Tax Threshold" as a guide? A: The Government already acknowledges that citizens earning $7,500 or less need tax relief to survive the current cost of living. If they are exempt from income tax because they are struggling, they should be protected from "predatory" fine escalations that jeopardize their survival. If the Government acknowledges you are too poor to tax, you are too poor to fine.

Q: Is this petition supporting lawless drivers? A: No. We support road safety. However, safety is a two-way street. The state cannot demand "perfect" vehicles while providing "broken" roads. We want a fair, balanced system where the state takes responsibility for infrastructure.

Q: What is Equity? A: Providing resources and support tailored to individual needs to achieve fair outcomes, recognizing different starting points.