Road Blocks in Jamaica - How Often Will I See Them?

[ECO]

I keep reading about road blocks in Jamaica, do they just focus on certain areas or do they target both main and back roads?

If I rent a car for a week in Jamaica how often can I expect being delayed due to road blocks?

[Tequila and Lime]

I've been through a few road blocks. Usually things like gas prices really spike in the US or something and they are afraid of the reciprocal violence that may ensue.

Random things as well.

Not very often. And usually they just wave you on. You should be fine, Eco.

[On Vacation]

I've never seen one in 7 trips.....except once during elections.

[ECO]

We were stopped about 10 miles east of the Mobay airport for some sort of a papers inspection. The police man went through our drivers papers (tons of them) and let us go without any hassle. It was some sort of random stop since the police officer was parked on the side of the road and didn't have a reason like we were speeding or anything. Maybe they can just stop cars own there without any probable cause?

My friends down there got pulled over and searched, the police officer had a real issue with them having machetes in the back of their van. He ended up wrapping them up in newspaper and cautioned them not to leave them sitting around in the back of their van. Odd how they were using them to clear their land and the police view them as weapons more so than useful tools.

[On Vacation]

Maybe if they WEREN'T used for weapons as much as they are, it would be different.

[LadySizzla]

Maybe if they WEREN'T used for weapons as much as they are, it would be different.

Exactly! Eco if you have never had a crazy bloke cursing at you (or babylon/or whatever voice is in his head) whilst holding a machete then i can understand your bemusement at those policemen.

[ECO]

Maybe if they WEREN'T used for weapons as much as they are, it would be different.

Exactly! Eco if you have never had a crazy bloke cursing at you (or babylon/or whatever voice is in his head) whilst holding a machete then i can understand your bemusement at those policemen.

I've never seen anyone use one as a weapon, they are a little big and heavy IMO. I could understand if if they were guns since I've had them pointed at me and did not find it enjoyable at all!

[LadySizzla]

Maybe if they WEREN'T used for weapons as much as they are, it would be different.

Exactly! Eco if you have never had a crazy bloke cursing at you (or babylon/or whatever voice is in his head) whilst holding a machete then i can understand your bemusement at those policemen.

I've never seen anyone use one as a weapon, they are a little big and heavy IMO. I could understand if if they were guns since I've had them pointed at me and did not find it enjoyable at all!

much damage been done with the machete. no matter how big and heavy its not cool to take your chances when one is bein raised above your head.

[Bob D.]

I keep reading about road blocks in Jamaica, do they just focus on certain areas or do they target both main and back roads?

If I rent a car for a week in Jamaica how often can I expect being delayed due to road blocks?

Road blocks are a cash cow for most police officers. If you see 4-5 or more its usally legit..they ask for your paperwork ( regerstration, fitness, and insurance ) and thats it. They MAY ask for a search, in which case you stand & watch as they rifle through your stuff. Thats it, your free to go. But if its 2-3 officers, chances are they want a pay off. They might stop you on the pretence you were speeding...regardless if you were or weren't, its just easy to pay them off. A hint is dropped by one officer " What do want to do about this ticket ? " as he pretends to write it...or he may say " Can you do something for me ? " or " can you buy me a drink ? ". The normal payoff is J$500-J$1000...about $6.00-$12.00 US. I keep my REAL money in one pocket & my payout money with my licence or in the ashtray.

No areas are "focussed" on, but arond corners is a good hiding spot for them. End of the week ( payday ) is normally when you see them out the most.