Finance bill passed: Expanded Road Traffic Penalties Among Key Reforms

The Finance Bill 2025 — a comprehensive piece of legislation containing an array of reforms, including significant new penalties related to road traffic offences — was approved in Parliament last night, secured by the Government’s majority vote.

The legislation was introduced and championed by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, who characterised the bill as a pivotal milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national governance frameworks, modernise a range of outdated statutes, enhance public safety, and promote greater equity within Trinidad and Tobago’s tax system.

During his presentation, Minister Tancoo meticulously outlined 23 separate clauses designed to amend 21 existing laws. He explained that the bill seeks to update obsolete penalties, address long-standing legislative loopholes, streamline and modernise various public institutions, and implement new revenue-generating mechanisms. Collectively, these measures, he noted, are intended not only to reinforce administrative efficiency but also to fulfil several core commitments outlined in the Government’s campaign platform.