Court Warns: Settle Traffic Fines Now Or Face Arrest

The District Court Offices have sounded a warning over a troubling accumulation of unpaid traffic tickets, some of which have been outstanding for an extended period.

 Authorities are urging individuals with outstanding fines to settle their obligations promptly to avoid severe legal consequences, including Warrants of Arrest.

Court records reveal that despite previous Notices of Conviction being issued, numerous traffic fines remain unsettled. This backlog has prompted the Ministry of Justice to launch a public awareness campaign aimed at ensuring compliance.

In a statement released Tuesday, the District Court Administration warned: “Persons with outstanding traffic tickets are urged to address these matters immediately. Failure to do so will result in arrest warrants being issued.”

Police Commissioner Verne Garde recently announced that 2025 will mark the beginning of a stringent crackdown on traffic violations and criminal activity across the nation.

Garde emphasised that law enforcement agencies are prepared to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law. “This year will not be business as usual,” he declared, underscoring the importance of stricter measures to address reckless driving, unpaid traffic fines, and criminal behavior. 

The initiative aims to curb escalating incidents and foster greater accountability among citizens, with enhanced patrols, increased fines, and rigorous enforcement expected to be central to the effort.

To emphasise the seriousness of the matter,  the authorities intend to periodically publish a list of some unpaid traffic tickets in local newspapers. They intend the publications to serve both as a public reminder and a tool to hold offenders accountable.

To facilitate payments and inquiries, the Ministry of Justice has outlined the operating hours and contact details for its court offices:

 District Court Office – Castries Ground Floor, Family Court Administration Building, Peynier Street, Castries

Tel: (758) 468-3310, 468-3311 or 468-3312 

Visit on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 2pm only. 

District Court Office – Vieux-Fort 

First Floor, Chitolie Building, Beanfield, Vieux-Fort 

Tel: (758) 454-6225 

Visit on Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays between 10 am and 2 pm only. 

The Ministry emphasised that this is not merely an administrative exercise but a legal obligation.

 “Ignoring traffic fines undermines the rule of law and places offenders at risk of escalating penalties,” the statement noted.