Traffic violations in Fiji may soon face criminal consequences, including potential imprisonment, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance road safety. Irimaia Rokosawa, the chief executive officer of the Land Transport Authority (LTA), announced that they are collaborating with the Fiji Police Force to enact regulations that support the criminalization of traffic offences.
This initiative comes in response to a concerning 25 percent increase in road fatalities, which rose to 83 by the end of 2025, compared to 66 in the previous year. Rokosawa noted that speeding continues to be the primary cause of fatal accidents.
In addition to criminal penalties, the LTA is planning to introduce a demerit points system aimed at streamlining the enforcement of traffic laws. This system will provide predetermined penalties, thus lessening the dependence on subjective judgments during enforcement. Currently, demerit points can only be issued by magistrates; however, the LTA aspires to obtain the authority to administer points directly, drawing inspiration from successful models in Australia and New Zealand.
At present, penalties are issued through direct interactions, but the anticipated demerit points system will employ a rule-based approach, embedding regulations within the framework of the enforcement process. Rokosawa stressed that the push for both criminalization and a demerit points system is intended to increase accountability among drivers.
He remarked, “Traffic offences should not be taken lightly, and that is something that the Land Transport Authority, together with our key stakeholders, including the Fiji Police Force and our line ministry, is diligently working towards.”
This shift in policy is part of a broader strategy to enhance road safety and could lead to a more responsible driving culture in Fiji.