The Trinidad & Tobago Demerit Points System Explained

The Trinidad & Tobago Demerit Points System Explained

Trinidad & Tobago runs a demerit points system that adds points to your driving record every time you commit a traffic offence. It was introduced by the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act No. 9 of 2017, commenced by Presidential Proclamation, and is now in force. Build up too many points and you lose your permit. This guide explains the point values, the thresholds for new and experienced drivers, how long points stay on record, and what happens when you reach a limit. For the full licensing picture, start with our Trinidad & Tobago driver's permit guide.

Key takeaways

• Offences carry 2 to 14 points, set out in the Ninth Schedule of Act No. 9 of 2017.
• New drivers (permit held 12 months or less) are disqualified for 1 year at 7 or more points in 12 months.
• Experienced drivers face 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years' disqualification at 10, 14, or 20 or more points over 3 years.
• Points stay on your record for a maximum of 2 years; two clean consecutive years wipes them.
• During double-demerit periods (up to 10 days), points for specified offences are doubled.

What is the demerit points system in Trinidad & Tobago?

The demerit points system records points against your driving permit each time you commit a traffic offence. It was created by the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act No. 9 of 2017, which came into effect following its Presidential Proclamation and is now in force. Points are added on top of any fixed penalty (fine) for the offence. The idea is simple: repeat offenders accumulate points, and once you cross a set threshold, the Licensing Authority can disqualify you from driving. The system is administered by the Licensing Division of the Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT).

How many demerit points does each offence carry?

Point values range from 2 to 14, depending on how serious the offence is. The exact figure for each offence is set out in the Ninth Schedule of Act No. 9 of 2017. A minor offence, such as exceeding the speed limit by 10 to 20 km/h, carries 2 points. The most serious, driving while disqualified, carries the maximum 14 points. Between those extremes sit a range of mid-level values.

Some individual offence values were revised after the Act first passed, so a per-offence list you find elsewhere may be out of date. For the current point value of a specific offence, always check the live MOWT demerit points page (linked below) rather than an unofficial table. The 2-to-14 range and the thresholds themselves have not changed. If you want to test your knowledge of the offences that carry points, try our free Trinidad & Tobago practice test.

How many points before you lose your licence?

The threshold depends on how long you have held your permit. The Act (section 88M) sets a stricter limit for new drivers and a higher one for experienced drivers. Reaching the threshold triggers an automatic disqualification set by statute, not by a court's discretion. Here are the two categories.

New drivers (permit held 12 months or less)

• 7 or more points within 12 months of your permit being issued means disqualification from driving for 1 year.

Experienced drivers (permit held over 12 months)

For experienced drivers, points are counted over a rolling 3-year window:

• 10 or more points means 6 months' disqualification.
• 14 or more points means 1 year' disqualification.
• 20 or more points means 2 years' disqualification.

How long do demerit points stay on your record?

Demerit points stay on your driving record for a maximum of 2 years. Once two consecutive years pass without you picking up any new points, the points are automatically removed and your record returns to zero. Points are also expunged when a disqualification period ends, so you start fresh once a suspension is served. This rolling window rewards a clean driving history and means old offences do not count against you forever.

What happens when you reach the threshold?

When your points reach a disqualification threshold, the Licensing Authority sends you a written notice of intention to disqualify, giving you at least 14 days. Within that period you can show cause in writing why your permit should not be suspended. If the disqualification stands, it takes effect and you must act quickly.

Surrendering your permit

You must surrender your permit within 14 days. Failing to hand it in is itself an offence: it carries a $5,000 fine plus an extra one year of disqualification. A disqualified permit has no effect during the suspension, and driving while disqualified is a serious offence that carries the maximum 14 points.

Getting your permit back

To drive again after a disqualification, you must complete an approved driver rehabilitation programme, pass a driving test, and pay the re-issue fee. Once the disqualification period ends, all recorded points are expunged. For a refresher on the rules you will be tested on, see our Trinidad & Tobago road rules guide.

What are double-demerit periods?

Double-demerit periods are stretches of time, often around major holidays, when the points for specified offences are doubled. The Minister designates these periods, which must not exceed 10 consecutive days, and they are publicised in advance. So an offence that normally carries 3 points would cost you 6 points during a double-demerit period. These windows are designed to discourage risky driving when the roads are busiest.

Does this apply to visitors and foreign drivers?

The demerit system applies to anyone driving on a Trinidad & Tobago permit. Visitors driving on a valid foreign permit from a Gazette-listed country are exempt from holding a T&T permit for 3 months from arrival, and a valid International Driving Permit is honoured while it remains valid. Once you need a local permit, the demerit rules apply in full. Our driving in Trinidad on a foreign licence guide covers the visitor rules in detail.

Official sources

• Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act No. 9 of 2017 (the demerit-points law, including the Ninth Schedule and section 88M thresholds)
• Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT) — Driving Permits (current per-offence point values and process)
• ttconnect — Driver's Permits and Licences (government service portal)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the demerit points system in Trinidad & Tobago?

It is a system that adds points to your driving record for each traffic offence, introduced by Act No. 9 of 2017 and now in force. Reach a set threshold and you are disqualified from driving.

How many points before I lose my licence?

New drivers (permit held 12 months or less) are disqualified for 1 year at 7 or more points in 12 months. Experienced drivers face 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years at 10, 14, or 20 or more points over 3 years.

How long do demerit points stay on my record?

Points remain for a maximum of 2 years. Two consecutive clean years, with no new points, wipes your record back to zero. Points are also cleared when a disqualification period ends.

How many points does a traffic offence carry?

Offences carry between 2 and 14 points, set out in the Ninth Schedule of Act No. 9 of 2017. Speeding 10 to 20 km/h over the limit is 2 points; driving while disqualified is the maximum 14. Check the live MOWT page for current per-offence values.

What are double-demerit periods?

Double-demerit periods, often around major holidays, are stretches of up to 10 days when the points for specified offences are doubled. They are announced in advance and are meant to curb risky driving when roads are busiest.

What happens if I do not surrender my permit after disqualification?

Failing to surrender your permit within 14 days is an offence carrying a $5,000 fine plus an extra year of disqualification. To drive again, you must complete a rehabilitation programme, pass a driving test, and pay a re-issue fee.