Drivers of taxi and livery motor vehicles will now be subject to demerits under the Demerit Point System, which has been approved by the Ministry of Communications and Works. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The purpose of the Demerit Point System is intended to promote safe, lawful, and professional conduct within the taxi and livery industry. Photo: Internet Source

The Taxi and Livery Commission will maintain a permanent demerit point record for each licensed operator. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

According to a February 4, 2026, press release, the approval was granted pursuant to Regulations 8(1) and 8(3) of the Road Traffic (Taxi and Livery Commission) Regulations, 1997, as amended, and authorises the Commission to enforce the Demerit Point System with immediate effect.

Operators have been encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Demerit Point System and to fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Poor conduct/improper operations 

The release explained that the purpose of the Demerit Point System is intended to promote safe, lawful, and professional conduct within the taxi and livery industry. The system also aims to identify, penalise, and deter repeat offenders of traffic and regulatory laws, while streamlining disciplinary and enforcement processes.

A demerit point is a mark recorded against a taxi or livery operator for poor conduct or improper operation of a transportation-for-hire motor vehicle. 

The process 

The release continued that taxi and livery operators will begin with a zero demerit point balance under the system. Points are issued for offences relating to non-compliance with regulations, unsafe driving practices, vehicle condition, intoxication, speeding, licensing violations, and other breaches connected to transportation-for-hire services. 

Demerit points accrue cumulatively and may be added following convictions, administrative findings by the Commission, or determinations of fault in traffic accidents.

Points may be reduced after one year without violations or upon the successful completion of remedial conditions imposed by the Commission.

Penalties/disciplinary measures

Where a taxi or livery operator accumulates demerit points within 12 months exceeding prescribed thresholds, the Commission may recommend disciplinary action, including:

• 100 points – Suspension for one (1) month
• 200 points – Suspension for two (2) months
• 300 points – Suspension for three (3) months or revocation of licence

In cases where a licence is revoked, the operator will be required to meet the criteria of a new applicant before re-licensing.

Also, any person who breaches a provision of the approved Demerit Point System commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). Convictions may also result in additional demerit points being applied.

According to the press release, the Taxi and Livery Commission will maintain a permanent demerit point record for each licensed operator. Operators are free to inspect their records and may obtain copies upon payment of a prescribed fee.