• 77B. 1 A person who, while driving or having charge of a private motor car, or a goods vehicle on any road, holds or uses a hand-held mobile device commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of three thousand five hundred dollars and to imprisonment for three months.
• 2) person who, while driving or having charge of a public service vehicle, holds or uses a hand held mobile device commits an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine of five thousand dollars and to imprisonment for one year.
• 3)A person who, while supervising the holder of a leaner’s driving permit, uses a hand-held mobile device commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of one thousand five hundred dollars and to imprisonment for three months.)
• (4) A person who uses a wireless communication device to view, send or compose an electronic message while driving or having charge of a motor vehicle commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of one thousand five hundred dollars and to imprisonment for three months.

Interpretation of key words that  constitute the offence

• “Driving” – Includes being in charge of a motor vehicle for the purpose of driving or riding at anytime when the motor vehicle is stationary on any road.
• “Having charge” – where the defendant is the owner or where they have recently driven the vehicle.
• “Affixed to” – in relation to a vehicle, includes forming part of the vehicle
• “use” in relation to a mobile device, includes

• Holding the mobile device to or near, the ear ( whether or not engaged in a phone call)
• Creating, sending or looking at a text or video message on the mobile device;
• Turning the mobile device on or off; and
• Operating any other function of the mobile device;
•  “ wireless  communication device” means a device used to transfer information over a distance without the use of electrical conductors or wires

• “interactive communications function” includes –
• Sending or receiving oral or written message;
• sending or receiving facsimile;
• Sending or receiving still or moving images, and
• providing access to the internet;
• “Mobile device” means a mobile telephone or any other device which performs and interactive communication function by transmitting and receiving data;

Instances in which the use of a hand-free mobile device is permitted

Subsections (1), (2)and (3) of section 77B shall not apply where:

• (a) a person driving a motor vehicle is using a mobile device in hand-free mode, or
• (b) the mobile device is being used to make or receive a phone call, and while being so used…
  • (i) is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle; or
  • (ii) is remotely operated by means of a device (whether connected to the mobile device by means of a wire or otherwise) is affixed to the motor vehicle, or worn by the driver in the manner intended by the manufacturer, and the mobile device is not being held by the driver.

(2) for the avoidance of doubt nothing in subsection

• (i) authorizes a person to use a mobile device by pressing any key on the mobile device, or by manipulating the body or screen of the mobile device, if the mobile device is not secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle.

(3) For the purpose of this section, a mobile device is secured in a mounting affixed to the motor vehicle if-

(a) the mounting is commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose;

(3) For the purpose of this section, a  mobile device is secured in a mounting affixed to the motor vehicle if-

• (a) the mounting is commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose; and
• (b) the mobile device is affixed in the mounting affixed to the motor vehicle, in a manner intended by the manufacturer

Persons who are exempted by law

Section 77 D (1) subsections (1) (2 ) and (4) of subsection 77 B shall not apply to

(a) The driver of an ambulance, fire service vehicle or police service vehicle;

(b) Any other person or class of persons prescribed by the minister.

(c) A person holding or using a mobile device prescribed by the minister

(d) A person engaged in an activity prescribed by the minister

(e) Any other condition prescribed by the minister.

Exemption in terms of the vehicular use

• Section 77 B shall not apply where the motor vehicle is

(a) off the roadway or is lawfully parked on the road,

(b) not in  motion and

(c) not impeding traffic

Circumstances in which call can be made while driving.

• A person driving a motor vehicle is using a mobile device in hands-free mode
• (b) the mobile device being used to make or receive a phone call, and while being so used-
• (i) is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle; or
• (ii) is remotely operated by means of a device (whether connected to the mobile device by means of a wire or otherwise) is affixed to the motor vehicle, or worn by the driver in the manner intended by the manufacturer,
• And the mobile device is not being held by the driver.

(2)For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in subsection

(1) authorizes a person to use a mobile device by pressing a key on the mobile device, or by otherwise manipulating the body or screen of the mobile device, if the mobile device is not secured in a mounting affixed to the motor vehicle.

For the purpose of this section, a mobile device is secured in a mounting affixed to the motor vehicle if-

(a) the mounting is commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose;

(b) The mobile device is secured in the mounting, and the mounting is affixed to the motor vehicle, in the manner intended by the manufacturer.

Offences

(a)Holding the mobile device to or near, the ear (whether or not engaged in a phone call)

(b) Creating, sending or looking at a text or video message on the mobile device

(c) turning the mobile device on or off

(d) Operating any other function of the mobile device

Not Applicable to Motor Vehicle

• Off the road or is lawfully parked on the roadway;

(b) Not in motion;

(c) Not impeding traffic

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Saturday November 4, 2017 – Grenada has been recognized by the prestigious Wall Street Journal newspaper as one of the “10 hot destinations to travel to in 2018” in the world.

The Spice Isle was sixth on the list along with places like Shangai, Madagascar and the Faroe Islands. About Grenada, the article noted: “On the southern edge of the Caribbean hurricane belt—hit by only three storms in 50 years—it’s flourishing while many of its neighbors rebuild. In the spring, Silversands resort will bring minimalist luxury to the island’s southwestern tip, with 43 suites, nine villas and the region’s longest pool.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) Patricia Maher was delighted with the latest recognition for the island.

“With the charming personality of the people and the great stories to be shared, we know we have got what it takes to create wonderful—and delicious—memories for our visitors,” she said.

“It is great to be recognized by the Wall Street Journal as a “hot destination” and we welcome everyone to experience the Spice of the Caribbean for themselves.”

Grenada was also recently named by the Caribbean Journal website as the ‘Caribbean Capital of Chocolate.’ That accolade wais partially a result of Grenada’s four chocolate producing companies: The Grenada Chocolate Company; Crayfish Bay Estate; Diamond Chocolate Factory; and Belmont Estate.

The article stated: “It’s no surprise, then, that a place called the Spice Isle would produce some of the globe’s most exciting cocoa — and some of its best chocolate.”

Seat Belt Laws

All occupants seated at the front of a moving car are expected by law to wear seat belts whilst a car is moving in Grenada

Drinking and Driving

In Grenada, the maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 80mg for every 100ml of blood. Given the road conditions plus the driving skills of locals, it’s best not to drink and drive so that you can concentrate on surviving your journey!

Must Have Documents

You will need to have your driving license and a local driving permit which can be arranged by taking your domestic license to a local police station. You should also carry your registration of car hire documentation as well as proof of a minimum of third party insurance.

Speed Limits

Speed limit within the town is 20 mph and 40 mph outside of the towns, REMEMEBER Speed is dictated by the state of the road and you should always exercise caution.

Minimum Driving Age

You have to be at least 18 to be able to drive in Grenada, if you’re under 25 years old, you may have to pay a premium for being an inexperienced driver.

Safety Camera Warning Devices

Safety camera warning devices are not necessary in Grenada – simply common sense!

On the Spot Fines

Break a traffic law in Grenada and you’ll be given a penalty notice detailing the offence and the fine to pay. There are instructions on when and where to pay it. Serious infringements can result in confiscation of your car and license and potentially an overnight stay in jail.

Child Safety Rules

In Grenada, there are no specific laws for child safety restraints in vehicles. The onus is on the adults in the car to ensure that children are adequately restrained. We understand your concerns and, when you book your hire car, you should tell us the details of any children travelling with you and we will ensure that a suitable restraint system will be fitted.

Insurance

A minimum of third party insurance is compulsory in Grenada and you must be able to prove it with a valid certificate.

Rules of the Road

Standard international driving laws apply with one or two exceptions.

• In Grenada, cars travel on the left hand side of the road
• Many roads are unpaved and twisting – consider hiring a 4 x 4 vehicle for safety

Towing Regulations

There are no laws governing towing in Grenada – just use common sense to make sure you are towing safely.

Speed Cameras

There are no fixed speed cameras in Grenada and hand held cameras are rarely used. Instead, if the police deem your speed to be excessive for the road conditions you’ll be stopped and charged with dangerous driving.

Using Mobile Phones when driving

It’s illegal to use a mobile phone whilst driving unless you have a hands free kit.

Parking

Parking regulations

Parking is very relaxed in Grenada and you simply need to be considerate in most places. There is greater control of parking in the capital St Georges but even there, it’s possible to park without trouble.

Paid parking

Paid parking lots are available in the Capital; St. George’s, please verify rates before using!

Disabled parking

You won’t find concessions for disabled drivers – mainly because accessible parking is available in most places. If you need help, try to find a local – many are willing to help tourists out as tourism is important for the island’s economy.

Phrases

English is the official language in Grenada and so you’ll have no trouble communicating there.

Traffic Lights

You’ll only encounter traffic lights on rare occasions and mainly in the capital and other towns. They follow the standard international sequencing and are easy to negotiate.

Toll Roads

There are no toll roads on Grenada

Emergency

The emergency number in Grenada is 911

What to do in an emergency

If in a hire car you suffer mechanical problems, use the number given to you by the hire car agent for help. If you are driving a private vehicle, you should contact a local mechanic who is prepared to come to your assistance. You’ll often find that locals will stop to help those who seem to be in difficulty.

If you are involved in an accident where no one is injured and damage is slight there is no need to contact the police. If there is substantial damage or injuries then you will need to call the emergency services on 911. Whilst waiting for their arrival, try not to move the vehicles unless they are causing a danger to others. If they have to be moved, take photographs of the scene and collect witness details.

Fuel Costs

As of December 2014, the average price of 95 octane unleaded petrol in Grenada is $15.00 EC or $5.70 USD. Prices are adjusted monthly based on a “rolling average”