Presidential Insurance | Blogs | What are demerit points and why they matter

>

What are demerit points and why they matter

When you’re behind the wheel, every decision counts—not just for you, but for your insurer, your vehicle, and your fellow road-users. That’s where the demerit points system comes in.

In short, demerit points are a record of traffic offenses attached to a driver’s permit. Each time you commit certain violations (speeding, driving under the influence, unauthorized use of a bus-route, etc.), points are added to your license record.

The more points you accumulate, the greater the risk of facing serious consequences: your driving permit can be suspended or disqualified, which impacts your ability to drive—and by extension, your insurance coverage.

How the system works in Trinidad & Tobago

Here are the key features of how the demerit points system functions locally:

Every driver begins with zero (0) demerit points on their permit record.
Points are recorded when you are either convicted of an offense in court or you pay a fixed penalty for a traffic ticket within the prescribed time.
The number of points assigned depends on the severity of the offense. In many cases this ranges from 2 up to 14 points, depending on the violation.
Those points stay on your record for up to two (2) years—provided you don’t accumulate additional points in that period. After that, they may be expunged (removed).
There are thresholds: once you accumulate a certain number of points your driving permit may be disqualified for a set period (and you may need to undergo rehabilitation, re-test, etc.).

Why it matters for car insurance

For you as a policy-holder with Presidential Insurance, demerit points matter in a few ways:

Risk Profile

From an insurer’s perspective, a driver with many demerit points is a higher risk. This can affect premiums, renewals or eligibility for coverage.

License Disqualification

From an insurer’s perspective, a driver with many demerit points is a higher risk. This can affect premiums, renewals or eligibility for coverage.

Claims Impact

If you commit an offense that carries demerit points and that offense factors into an accident or claim, it could affect the outcome of that claim (liability, premium increases, etc).

Maintenance of Good Standing

Keeping a clean driving record—minimal or zero demerit points—not only keeps you safer, but helps maintain better insurance terms and peace of mind.

Tips to avoid accumulating demerit points

Always obey speed limits and traffic signs.
Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Stay up to date with vehicle maintenance (broken lights, license plate defects can also carry points).
Respect traffic regulations like bus-lanes, priority routes, school zones.
If you receive a traffic ticket, act promptly: either pay the fixed penalty within the legal time frame or contest the matter—delays may result in points.
Once you’ve accumulated points, drive cautiously so you avoid adding more and triggering disqualification.

What should you do if you already have demerit points?

Check your driving permit record via the Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT) online system to see how many points you have.
If you’re approaching a threshold for disqualification, consider enrolling in any approved driver-rehabilitation programmes.
Inform your insurance provider (Presidential Insurance) if your permit is or will be suspended, or if you incur a serious traffic conviction — we’ll guide you on how this affects your coverage.
Use the time while points remain on your record to improve your driving habits and maintain a clean record for two years so the points can be expunged.

Conclusion

The demerit points system is more than just a set of numbers—it’s about driving responsibly, protecting yourself and others, and maintaining a good standing with your permit and insurance. At Presidential Insurance, we’re here to help you navigate the process, stay compliant, and keep your coverage intact.