Law to be reviewed to regulate importation of emergency lights, sirens – AG

…calls out police for failing to curb illegal use of sirens, flashing lights

With the abuse of sirens and emergency lights, particularly by private individuals and unauthorised entities, being a growing concern, Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall has warned that the Government will be looking to amend the customs laws to deal with this matter.
Nandlall was at the time participating in the ribbon cutting of the Friendship Magistrates Court on Monday. According to the AG, the illegal use of sirens and emergency lights is something that must be dealt with holistically.
“You have heard us speak about the illegal use of sirens. That’s another issue. Commissioner of Police, you know that only authorised vehicles are to use sirens. But the sirens are being sold in the stores,” AG said.
With that in mind, the AG noted that the Government will be taking a look at the customs law. The principal act dealing with matters related to customs is the Chapter 82:01. Nandlall noted that the Government will “have to look at our customs regulations to control the importation of these items.”

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) had previously called for a tougher stance against the use of sirens and emergency lights by unauthorised persons. Last year, the chamber had issued a statement pointing out that while emergency lights and sirens are prescribed for use by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and ambulances, there has been an increase in private vehicles bearing these devices for bypassing areas with congested traffic.
“These actions are not only illegal, but pose a risk to road users, as they can confuse; and use of same by drivers not trained in defensive driving can result in accidents,” the GCCI had further said.
It was only last week that Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had called on the GPF to clamp down on the illegal use of sirens and emergency lights by privately owned vehicles.

Failure
Voicing his frustration over the failure of the GPF to rein in lawbreakers who parade the country’s roadways with unauthorised emergency signals, he had slammed the culture of impunity that has allowed certain individuals to flaunt illegal sirens and flashing lights as status symbols, even as he recalled past instances when high-profile figures abused those privileges.
“That’s illegal and the [Guyana] Police Force needs to do their jobs,” he said in response to questions at his weekly press conference on Thursday.
He pointed out that the Opposition is also in support of this call since Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul attempted to table a motion in the National Assembly for a ban on the use of sirens and flashing lights on private vehicles.
However, at the time, Jagdeo argued that the practice is already illegal and must therefore be addressed by the police.
President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced, late last year, that Government would be updating laws to introduce provisions for the imposition of fines and the revocation of drivers’ licences for the illegal use of sirens and emergency lights on vehicles.
This decisive move reflects a much-needed effort to address a pervasive issue that has long undermined public trust, road discipline, and traffic order in the country.
Originally intended for use by emergency services such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles, these tools are essential for public safety. However, when used improperly, they create chaos on the roads, endangering lives and eroding the legitimacy of their intended purpose.
President Ali’s call for action remains not only timely, but also vital for restoring sanity and fairness on the roadways.