Helmetless motorcyclists face stricter enforcement, say authorities

As traffic authorities work to improve road safety across Guyana, helmetless motorcyclists have come under increased scrutiny. Law enforcement officials have identified non-compliance with helmet laws as a major safety concern, prompting stricter enforcement measures.
During a discussion on Road Safety and You, Inspector K. Boodlal, who oversees traffic enforcement at the Den Amstel Police station on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), confirmed that motorcyclists without helmets are a top priority for police crackdowns.

“We will be on the road… either we’re doing community outreach, we lecture the driver, lecture to school, we go to these business places, and we do lectures to them as well. Then from there… we do our way across the church. Yeah, then we head back on the road… We try to minimize accidents,” he explained.
Authorities are stepping up their efforts to enforce helmet laws through increased ticketing. Inspector Boodlal noted that police have been issuing more tickets this year, particularly targeting motorcyclists who fail to comply with safety regulations.
“We didn’t really check [the full statistics], but I think this year is supposed to surpass last year because we’re focusing on these motorcyclists strictly without the helmet. So mostly they’re getting the tickets,” he said.
The decision to intensify enforcement comes as part of broader efforts to curb road accidents and ensure that all road users adhere to safety protocols.
The Guyana Police Force stress that wearing helmets is not just about avoiding fines, it is a matter of life and death. The increased enforcement is meant to encourage compliance and prevent serious injuries or fatalities resulting from road accidents.
As the crackdown continues, police are urging motorcyclists to prioritize their safety and follow the law. Law enforcement remains committed to ensuring that helmet use becomes the norm on Guyana’s roads, helping to create a safer environment for all road users.
Just recently, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced stricter enforcement of traffic laws, particularly targeting speeding violations along the Heroes Highway. He emphasized that motorists caught speeding more than three times will face license suspension.
The decision follows alarming data showing hundreds of speeding tickets issued this year, with only several license suspensions.
To curb reckless driving, the government plans to install speed advisories, digital speed boards, and expand the use of CCTV footage and body cameras for traffic ranks. Additionally, President Ali has instructed officials to ensure truck owners share responsibility for their drivers’ conduct and called for better enforcement of laws restricting alcohol sales to drivers.