Motorist fined for driving unregistered, uninsured car after crash

A 46-year-old landscaper from Lodge Road, Christ Church has been fined almost $2 000 after crashing a car found to have no registration or insurance.

Duane Omar Obrien Ifill admittied to four traffic offences during his appearance in the District ‘A’ Traffic Court. 

He pleaded guilty that on March 31, he drove a motor car along Lears Road, a public road, when there was no policy of insurance in force; that the vehicle was not registered with the Barbados Licensing Authority; that he did fraudulently use the registration number plate purporting the same to have been issued to him; and that he drove without due care and attention.  

Court prosecutor Troy Tudor told the court that the accused was driving the motor car along Lears Road approaching the roundabout when he attempted to overtake the vehicle in front but collided into its left side, resulting in damage to both vehicles. 

Investigations revealed that the vehicle was bought in 2025 but not registered, and had no insurance coverage.  

Ifill told the court that he had not taken the car to be registered as it was rusty in several areas and he had not known if it would pass inspection.  

“There are plenty of vehicles on the road with rusty spots and they are registered… Every single day you were driving you were taking a risk and look what happened,” Magistrate Alison Burke said.  

She ordered him to pay $1 000 forthwith for the lack of insurance or spend 100 days at Dodds Prison, and $500 forthwith with the alternative being 25 days’ incarceration. He was also fined $300, which is owed in three weeks, failing which he will serve 15 days behind bars.  

Ifill was reprimanded and discharged on the driving without due care offence.  

(JB)