Amber light does not mean “speed up” – Police warn drivers

Ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are now calling out drivers who accelerate when approaching an amber traffic light, stating that they are breaking the law and increasing the risk of serious collisions.
During a recent episode of “Road Safety and You”, hosted by Chairman of the Guyana National Road Safety Council, Earl Lambert, officers from the GPF Traffic Department addressed what they described as a growing and dangerous misconception among motorists.

According to the officers, many drivers treat the amber signal as a cue to “hurry up and catch the light” instead of preparing to stop.
Sergeant Tenesha Punch, who is stationed in Regional Division Three (Essequibo Island–West Demerara), explained that the amber light requires motorists to stop at the stop line unless they have already crossed it or are so close that stopping abruptly could cause an accident.
“The amber doesn’t mean to speed up,” the Sergeant stressed, noting that many collisions occur because drivers attempt to beat the signal as it transitions from green to red.
Under the law, amber means stop at the stop line. A motorist may only proceed if the amber appears after the vehicle has crossed the stop line or is too close to safely pull up.
Traffic ranks further explained that when drivers accelerate to beat the amber light, they often enter the intersection just as the opposing signal turns green, creating a high risk of impact with oncoming traffic.
Officers further warned that breaching traffic signals falls under dangerous driving and can result in charges. They also cautioned that Magistrates are not treating such offences lightly. The Traffic Department is urging motorists to approach intersections with caution, reduce speed when signals change, and comply with all traffic light regulations.
The ranks added that traffic lights are installed to regulate movement at intersections and prevent collisions, especially in the absence of a traffic officer. Motorists were also reminded that road safety depends not only on enforcement but also on responsible driving behaviour.
Just a few days ago, the Police force announced that a sum of 115 dangerous driving cases captured by traffic cameras have already been processed in the courts, with offenders facing fines and, in some instances, suspension of their driver’s licences.
The report stated that hundreds of incidents detected through the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) have advanced through the judicial process, as authorities intensify enforcement of traffic laws nationwide.
According to a Police release, dangerous driving offences are not ticketable and must be heard before a Magistrate. Each case captured by SRIS cameras is individually reviewed by trained ranks, with footage analysed, compiled, and presented as evidence in court.
So far, the Police said 115 matters have been completed before the courts, resulting in monetary penalties and some licence suspensions. Several cases are still under review or at different stages of prosecution as the Force works to bolster its capacity to expedite case preparation and court hearings.