17 vehicles intercepted for using unauthorised sirens in 2024 – Traffic Chief

Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent, Mahendra Singh has confirmed that 17 vehicles outfitted with unauthorised sirens have been intercepted so far this year. The discovery highlights an ongoing issue of drivers mimicking emergency vehicles, causing confusion and potentially endangering public safety.
“These cases are identified through police observations while on duty,” Singh told the Guyana Times on Sunday. “The unauthorised equipment has been removed, and in most instances, offenders have been issued warnings rather than charges. The public must be given a fair opportunity to understand what is right from what is wrong.”
The Traffic Chief further reiterated that only specific vehicles, such as those used by the police, ambulances, and other emergency responders, are lawfully allowed to use sirens. He reiterated that unauthorised use undermines the integrity of genuine emergency services.
Recently, motorcyclists have also started changing their horns to sounds that resemble that of a siren. The Traffic Chief addressed this saying that they had not received direct reports of this case, but he welcomed the assistance from the public to have it rectified.
“If you have the opportunity to observe and capture details like the number plate of the motorcycle or vehicle, please share them with the police…,” he said.
Although reports of unauthorised siren use are rare, Singh stated that the police remain committed to addressing the issue.
“The vehicles that are authorised are police, emergency services, and ambulances. For the public, it’s critical to understand the difference between lawful and unlawful use,” he emphasised.
Singh confirmed that the 17 offenders identified so far were not charged but instead received warnings.
“In most cases, a warning is issued because education is as important as enforcement. The public needs to understand and respect the law to ensure safety on the roads,” he explained.
The Traffic Chief assured that the police will continue to monitor the situation and urged citizens to report similar violations promptly.
In November, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that the country’s traffic laws would be updated to curb the illegal use of sirens and emergency lights. This decision is a significant move towards ensuring road safety and upholding the rule of law.
The President’s announcement came in response to a growing problem: the misuse of sirens by private individuals and unauthorised entities. Originally intended for use by emergency services, including ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles, sirens have increasingly been used by unauthorised vehicles, leading to confusion and chaos on the roads.
This unlawful use of sirens undermines the legitimacy of emergency vehicles and creates dangerous situations on the road. Unauthorised vehicles, particularly those from private companies or individuals, have been using sirens to bypass traffic laws and gain an unfair advantage. This not only puts lives at risk but also delays the response of genuine emergency vehicles.
The Government has also made a move to impose fines and revoke the licences of offenders, including private security companies, which is a strong deterrent against this practice. The Government is also targeting the sale and installation of illegal sirens and lights, addressing the problem at its source.
The initiative aligns with international best practices, where violations of siren usage result in heavy penalties. Countries such as the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) have long enforced strict regulations regarding emergency equipment, and Guyana’s adoption of similar measures underscores its commitment to modernising traffic laws.