24 out of 40 scooter riders stopped by police were found in violation of the law.
PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Police Force KPSM conducted a series of targeted scooter control operations on Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25, 2025, as part of its ongoing effort to improve road safety and curb the use of scooters in criminal activity.
The coordinated operation took place at several strategic locations across the island, focusing on inspecting scooter riders and verifying their compliance with traffic and registration laws. The dual objectives were to enhance public safety and to identify individuals using scooters to commit or facilitate criminal offenses.
Between 12:00pm and 10:00pm on both days, police stopped a total of 40 scooter riders. Twenty-four of them were found in violation of the law for failing to present valid documentation, such as insurance or registration papers. One individual was arrested for possession of illegal narcotics, in violation of the Opium legislation.
Members of the Voluntary Corps of St. Maarten (VKS) assisted KPSM in carrying out the operation. Police said the controls were planned and executed based on data and intelligence gathered from previous traffic and crime enforcement efforts. New checkpoints were established to anticipate shifts in movement patterns among scooter riders seeking to avoid detection.
“Scooters continue to be a recurring element in several serious criminal incidents, as well as a major factor in traffic safety risks,” KPSM stated. “We will continue to take firm and consistent measures to ensure public safety and restore order on the roads and in our communities.”
The force emphasized that similar operations will continue in the coming weeks. KPSM is urging all scooter owners and riders to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and insured and to comply fully with traffic laws.
