By Val Matthias. Updated 11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 2, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Superintendent Parnel Browne, Head of the Traffic Department within the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), has confirmed that the country does not yet have Breathalyzertesting in place to check drivers suspected of being intoxicated.
Responding to a question on WEFM’s Morning Show Cop Chat, Browne explained that while the issue of drinking and driving remains a serious concern, the necessary equipment and legislation are still pending. “No, we do not have breathalysers. We have made the application to have them here and to have laws so that we can do the necessary testing, so, it’s a work in progress,” he said.
Browne also warned that long weekends often encourage risky behavior on the roads, with some motorists taking advantage of lighter traffic to speed excessively. He cautioned drivers not to assume empty roads mean free rein, noting that many accidents occur when drivers are alone, a clear sign of reckless speeding.
Under the Traffic Act (Cap. 355), driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is already an offense. Police officers can charge motorists if they are visibly impaired, showing signs such as erratic driving, slurred speech, or the smell of alcohol. Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and suspension or revocation of a driver’s license.
However, unlike neighboring countries such as Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago, SVG does not yet have a codified blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit or roadside breathalyzertesting. Enforcement relies on police observation and field sobriety checks, which can be contested in court. Browne’s comments confirm that applications have been made for breathalyzer devices and enabling legislation, signalling that reforms are on the horizon.
Superintendent Browne reiterated his call for motorists to exercise caution, remain sober, and drive responsibly. He emphasized that while enforcement measures are being strengthened, road safety ultimately depends on drivers making wise choices behind the wheel.
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