Traffic offenses in Fiji could soon be met with criminal penalties, including the possibility of imprisonment, as part of ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing road safety. Irimaia Rokosawa, chief executive officer of the Land Transport Authority (LTA), emphasized the collaborative effort with the Fiji Police Force to strengthen regulations that would facilitate the criminalization of traffic violations, underscoring the initiative’s primary goal of ensuring road safety.
This initiative follows a concerning 25 percent increase in road fatalities, with 83 deaths recorded by the end of 2025, up from 66 in 2024. Rokosawa identified speeding as the foremost contributor to fatal accidents, amplifying the urgency of implementing stricter regulations.
In addition to potential criminal penalties, the LTA is also working on establishing a demerit points system. This system aims to objectively determine penalties for traffic violations, thereby minimizing subjective enforcement. Currently, demerit points can only be assigned by magistrates, but the LTA is striving to obtain the legal authority to administer points directly, taking inspiration from successful models in Australia and New Zealand.
Rokosawa explained that while current penalties are issued through face-to-face interactions, the proposed demerit points system would be rule-based, ensuring a more systematic approach to traffic violations. He stressed that both the criminalization of offenses and the implementation of demerit points reflect a comprehensive strategy focused on enhancing driver accountability.
These changes are being pursued collaboratively with key stakeholders, including the Fiji Police Force and relevant ministries, showcasing a united commitment to improving road safety across the nation. The hopeful outlook is that through these measures, Fiji will see a significant reduction in traffic-related incidents, creating a safer environment for all road users.
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