$30,000 fine proposed for cell phone use while driving in Jamaica

The new Road Traffic Bill which is now before Parliament is proposing that persons be jailed for one month if the fine is not paid.

Henry’s stern position is reportedly as a result of the continued carnage on the nation’s roadways. Since the start of the year, some 290 persons have died on roadways island-wide in crashes.

The new bill also proposes that the drivers of vehicles with electronic devices such as televisions be penalised for their actions.

When caught, drivers with visual electronic devices in their line of sight could also be charged $30,000.

The law, however, does not apply to a person using a navigation device, a radio or a device that produces rear view images while reversing.

Henry, in a media interview, cited that it is believed that the use of distracting electronic communication devices contributed too many of the tragic accidents on the roadways. He said the targeted devices should simply not be used while driving.