News

Over the past several weeks, RCIPS officers have noted an increase in reports of illegal dirt bikes being ridden on public roadways across Grand Cayman, including on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway and in the Windsor Park area. The riders are often reported travelling at high speeds and in a reckless manner, weaving through traffic and between lanes, and conducting other unsafe manoeuvres.

Police are advising the public that these bikes are illegal to use on public roads, as they are motor vehicles which do not have the equipment necessary for road use, including headlights, taillights and indicators, and thus cannot be licensed or insured.

“Although these vehicles are not roadworthy, they are being imported and sold on the island,” says Commissioner of Police Kurt Walton. “However, retailers, parents, and any other person involved in their purchase should be aware that they cannot legally be used on our roads, and there are no current locations on island designed to facilitate their use. If purchasing such a vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure it is used in such a way that does not violate the Traffic Act.”

Police have been conducting strategic patrols to disrupt the illegal use of these bikes, and will prosecute any person found to be committing traffic violations.

According to the Traffic Act Section 77A, a police officer can require any person riding a motorcycle in a “dangerous, careless, reckless or anti-social” manner, or in a manner that “causes or is likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public” to stop the motorcycle. Failure to do so is an offense which carries a penalty of $2500.

Careless driving carries a penalty of $1000 or six months imprisonment, and the possibility of being disqualified from driving for a period of twelve months (Section 77), and dangerous or reckless driving carries a penalty of ten years imprisonment and disqualification from driving for a period of five years (Section 76).

Finally, the penalty for using a vehicle which has not been inspected or issued a certificate of roadworthiness is $600 or six months imprisonment (Section 65).

The RCIPS urges the public to continue to do your part to keep our roads safe.