The Ministry of Works & Transport performs the following services to the infrastructural development of Trinidad & Tobago under its following divisions:
Coastal Protection Unit
The establishment of the Ministry’s Coastal Protection Unit (CPU) is all about the preservation and rehabilitation of our coastlines. The Coastal Protection Unit addresses the most crucial aspects of:
- Preventing coastal erosion;
- Designing and Construct Hydraulic and
- Coastal Structures;
- Developing and implementing policies, plans, standards, regulations, rules and requirements for the prevention of coastal erosion; and
- Maintaining sea defenses.
Construction Division
The major services performed under the Construction Division are to:
- Develop, implement and monitor statutory and regulatory standards for building designs and construction;
- Ensure the safety of public buildings;
- Plan and manage the design, construction and rehabilitation of public buildings and facilities; and
- Provide consultancy and project management services for major building projects.
Some key services provided by the Drainage Division include:
- Maintenance of all major watercourses under the jurisdiction of the Division via the use of hired heavy equipment and in-house labour to clean and clear major watercourses;
- Providing effective and quick responses to complaints involving flooding/erosion from the public;
- Develop and operate Irrigation Systems;
- Advise the public on Drainage matters.
Drainage Division
Environmental, Health and Safety Unit (EHSU)
From its inception, the EU had actively pursued the integration of health, safety and environmental (HSE) considerations in the Ministry’s operations. Responsibilities of the EHSU include:
- Reviewing projects to ensure no degradation to the environment in accordance with EMA (Environmental Management Authority) regulations;
- Facilitating CEC (Certificate of Environmental Clearance) process;
- Facilitating EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) when necessary;
- Ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to guarantee the safety and health of the public, in the vicinity of Ministry of Works & Transport offices and work sites;
- Collaborating with other Divisions with respect to Disaster Preparedness and Management.
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Highway Division
The Highways Division of the Ministry of Works and Transport provides physical infrastructure necessary for the safe and efficient land movement of people, goods and services which include:
- Maintenance of the road network;
- Roads and bridges planning, construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation;
- Landslips repairs;
- Production of asphaltic hot mix and concrete;
- Management and control of traffic on the road network.
Mechanical Division
The Mechanical Services is invaluable as it fulfills its core responsibilities of the acquisition and maintenance of vehicles, mechanical plants and equipment. The Mechanical Services Division also supports regional corporations through:
- Provision of advisory services to Government agencies on the purchase, utilization, maintenance and disposal of vehicles, mechanical plants and equipment;
- Management of the acquisition, allocation and disposal of vehicles, mechanical plants and equipment for all the core technical Divisions of the Ministry of Works and Transport.
The Maintenance Division was established in 1977, drawn from the then Construction Division and Management Group. The Maintenance Division provides the following diverse range of services to government buildings and facilities:
- Masonry;
- Painting/Finishing;
- Electrical;
- Refrigeration/Air Conditioning;
- Carpentry /Woodworking;
- Plumbing;
- Drainage;
- Landscaping
Maintenance Division
Maritime Services Division
The Maritime Services Division was established to administer the provisions of the Shipping Act and other Maritime National legislation. The more vital functions of the Division are:
Flag State activities relating to:
- Registration and licensing of Trinidad and Tobago ships;
- Survey, inspections and certification of national seafarers;
- Conditions of seamen employed on board Trinidad and Tobago Ships.
Port State Control Activities:
- The inspection of foreign registered vessels calling at/visiting ports in Trinidad and Tobago to ensure compliance with national and international safety, and pollution prevention standards;
- The establishment of maintenance of Navigational Aids) lights, buoys, beacons and lighthouses) to aid navigation;
- The investigation of shipping accidents/casualties; and
- Advise the Government on maritime matters.
Priority Bus Route Unit
The Priority Bus Route Unit was established to regulate and maintain the use of the Priority Bus Route (PBR). To preserve the PBR as a Priority Route and to minimize the use of the route for commuting in non-transit vehicles, particularly during the peak periods, only authorized vehicles are given access. Services of the PBR Unit include:
- To manage the distribution of PBR permits and related tasks;
- To issue PBR Private-Light Motor Vehicle Permits;
- To issue PBR Maxi Taxi permits to successful applicants /vehicles;
- Renewal of PBR Maxi Taxi and Private light motor vehicle permits every term.
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency (PURE)
The Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency Unit (PURE) is a Project Management Unit of the Highways Division in the Ministry of Works and Transport. The PURE Programme exists as an efficient and effective platform for achieving the strategic intent of the Government in respect of road infrastructure. In alignment with the policy also, the services undertaken in the Programme was re-categorized into:
- Road Rehabilitation;
- Slope Stabilization;
- Alternative Access Routes;
- Traffic Management Measures;
- Bridge Reconstruction; and
- Pedestrian Overpass Construction
The Traffic Management Branch (TMB)
The TMB is responsible for the management and control of traffic on Trinidad’s road network. This responsibility includes:
- Management and administration of traffic signals;
- Management of the National Traffic Management System;
- Accident analysis and recommendation of remedial measures;
- Monitoring of existing traffic situations;
- Collection of traffic data and installation of new and routine maintenance of road markings and traffic signs;
- Training sessions to various organizations on traffic management and road safety issues.
Traffic Warden Division
Traffic Wardens are stipulated in Section 10A of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act. Traffic Wardens possess full authority for the regulation, control and enforcement of traffic to:
- Stop a vehicle
- Request drivers’ permits and
- Order the removal of illegally parked vehicles
Other services of the Traffic Warden Division include:
- To issue fixed penalties notices (traffic tickets)
- To remove illegally parked vehicles by towing
- To ensure compliance and enforcement of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act
- To attend court and provide evidence related to traffic breaches and offences
- Any other related duties as directed by his/her superiors
- To provide road safety of road traffic at schools
- To regulate traffic in designated regions and secondary roads but not highways.
Transport Division
In accordance with the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act Chapter 48:50, the Transport Commissioner is the Licensing Authority and is responsible for the:
- Registration of Motor Vehicles
- Inspection of Motor Vehicles
- Issuance of Driver’s Permits
- Directing the supervision of traffic census
- Executing Government Policy in the area of maxi taxi operations
- Supervising private testing station
- Collection of the associated revenues
- Regulating the private school bus system
The Unemployment Relief Programme
The Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) provides short term employment to citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. The programme is also designed to:
- Enhance the entrepreneurial skills of individuals and community groups;
- Assist in the delivery of small-scale projects in various communities.
- Teach marketable skills while providing employment, using an “earn while you learn” approach.
- Award contracts for work in the community to small scale contractors.
Central Planning Unit
The Central Planning Unit was established in 1979 to satisfy the planning and research functions of the then Ministry of Works, Transport and Communications. The key responsibilities of the Central Planning Unit are:
- Assistance with/ coordination of the annual capital budgets, projects and strategic plans of the various Divisions/ Units/ Authorities
- Preparation of progress reports, visits to project sites and attendance at project meetings
- Assistance with policy formulation and research, preparation of notes for cabinet, comments on papers, socio-economic research into sectorial areas and development of a statistical database
- Provision of advice to the Minister/ Permanent Secretary/ Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Divisions and Units of the Ministry and Inter-Ministerial Committees on Economic and Policy matters.
Useful Links
MVRT Act Chapter 48.50
MVRT Act No. 9 of 2017
Traffic Notices
Vehicle Testing Stations
MOWT Divisions & Units
The Ministry of Works and Transport is one of the largest government organizations in Trinidad and Tobago. We are responsible for providing the necessary planning, manpower, design and construction of physical infrastructure and transport services which are critical for the social and economic development of Trinidad & Tobago...CLICK HERE FOR MORE
MOWT Services
- Coastal Protection Unit
- Construction Division
- Drainage Division
- Environmental, Health and Safety Unit (EHSU)
- Highway Division
- Mechanical Division
- Maintenance Division
- Maritime Services Division
- Priority Bus Route Unit
- Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency (PURE)
- The Traffic Management Branch (TMB)
- Traffic Warden Division
- Transport Division
- The Unemployment Relief Programme
- Central Planning Unit
Resources
Driving Permit Applications & Renewals
- Applying for a Provisional Driving Permit
- Renewing your Driving Permit
- Applicant Categories
- Renewal of Driver's Permits for Ten (10) years.
Replacement of Lost Permit
- Issuance or Replacement Driver's Permit (Duplicate)
- Applicable fees if you’re applying for a replacement of an expired driving permit
Maxi Taxi Regulations
- Applying for a Taxi-Driver's Badge & Taxi Driver's License
- Associated fees for applying for a Taxi Driving Permit
- Renewing of a Taxi Driver's Badge & Driving Permit
- Fees for Replacement of a Taxi Badge & Taxi Driving Permit
- Replacing your Taxi Driver's Badge & Driving Permit
- Ownership of Maxi Taxi Services
- Maxi Taxi Operator's Permit
Class 4 & 5 Applications (Heavy T)
The applicant must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and the holder of a driving permit of the next lower class of motor vehicle.
Registration of Motor Vehicles
- Fees for Registration of a Motor Vehicle
- Registration of Foreign - Used vehicle
- Change of Registration of a Motor Vehicle
- Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Register Notification of Change of the following particulars
Transfer of Ownership
- Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle other than by Death
- Transfer of Ownership of Motor Vehicle on Death of Registered Owner
- Colour or Engine Number
- Chassis Number
- Name
Visitor Requirements
- Requirements for Visitors to drive in Trinidad &Tobago
Dealer Requirements
- Requirements for Dealer's License First Issue
- Renewal of Dealer's License
- Application for Replacement of a Dealer's License
- Application for Rental Operation
TRANSFORMATION OF LICENSING
RFID tags make the identification of legally licensed vehicles fast and reliable. Learn how they work.
DEMERIT POINTS SYSTEM
If you commit an offence that carries demerit points, the points are added to your driving record. Learn more.
UTURN PORTAL
Spot speed cameras operate throughout T&T at carefully selected locations to prevent speed offences. Click for info.
TRAFFIC TICKETING SYSTEM
Enabling smart ticketing for enforcement of traffic violations. Learn how it works here....
RED LIGHT CAMERA SYSTEM
You will receive a ticket if your vehicle is caught on camera breaking a red light. Click to see penalties.
VEHICLE INSPECTION
To be licensed, all vehicles must meet standards set by law. Click here for info about the specifications for your vehicle.
Notice for Drivers
For More information on the Amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, please visit the Ministry’s website – www.mowt.gov.tt and click on MVRT Act Chapter 48 50 tab.
Remember, to avoid a traffic ticket and demerit points simply obey the road traffic laws. Do not act contrary to the law outlined in the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act Chapter 48:50.
The Transport Division of the Ministry of Works and Transport wishes to advise all permit holders /motorists to ensure that their vehicles are in compliance with the TARE Weight and Maximum Gross TARE Weight in keeping with the law.