KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaican judiciary has issued a compelling call for motorists to proactively educate themselves on national traffic legislation, emphasizing that legal literacy enables better decision-making and courtroom preparedness. Senior Judge Mitsy Beaumont-Daley of the Corporate Area Traffic Court delivered this message during a recent traffic symposium at the St Mary Parish Court, highlighting widespread ignorance of road laws among defendants. Judge Beaumont-Daley revealed that numerous individuals appearing before her court demonstrate unfamiliarity with basic traffic regulations, necessitating judicial explanations of statutes before defendants can enter informed pleas. She stressed personal responsibility in studying the Road Traffic Act, Transport Authority Act, and Road Traffic Regulations to confidently assert guilt or innocence when charged. The address identified frequently misunderstood offenses, including improper fog lamp usage—often confused with daytime running lights—and permissible hands-free device operation while driving. Judge Beaumont-Daley clarified that fog lamps are legally restricted to specific weather conditions, and electronic device use constitutes an offense only when not in hands-free mode. She articulated that comprehending penalties promotes compliance through wisdom and respect for others’ safety rather than mere fear of punishment. The senior judge concluded with a stern reminder that driving constitutes a privilege subject to revocation for abuse, affirming the court’s commitment to firm yet fair enforcement of traffic laws.