Dear Editor,
In Guyana non-functioning brake lights on cars are a traffic violation which is a statutory (ticketed) offence with a fine of $5,000. How many of us check brake lights before leaving home or starting each journey? And there is no guarantee that they could not have blown unknown to the motorist during travel. Yes, guilty, but with explanation. My relative who was here recently expressed surprise that we have a law on our statute books and he compared it to NY State where a ticket is given for that particular offence with the condition that the defect be rectified within a specific time. I suspect that prosecution will follow if the condition is not met, which is most reasonable.
In Guyana it will require discretion (I trust) to replace the ticket with a verbal warning.
There are still some courteous and understanding traffic officers but as motorists we too can help when we see our fellow motorists’ lights not working buy drawing it to their attention. It should be remembered that the light does serve as an important warning signal, especially in Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
