Bill Targets Uninsured Drivers With Expanded Enforcement Powers

Minister of Transport Louis Zabaneh today carried the first reading of the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the House of Representatives, proposing tougher enforcement measures against uninsured drivers.  The amendment seeks to update the Motor Vehicle Insurance (Third Party Risks) Act to allow traffic wardens and transport officers to require motorists to produce proof of insurance during roadside checks. Currently, that authority rests mainly with police officers.  

The bill also proposes increased penalties for persons found operating a motor vehicle without valid insurance coverage, a move government says is intended to improve road safety compliance and protect accident victims from bearing financial losses.

Officials say the reform responds to ongoing concerns about uninsured vehicles on Belizean roads and the burden placed on injured parties who struggle to obtain compensation after traffic accidents.  If enacted, the changes would expand enforcement powers while strengthening accountability among drivers, ensuring more motorists maintain the legally required third-party coverage.