Licensing Authority clarifies inspection rules for older private vehicles

The Barbados Licensing Authority (BLA) is seeking to clarify some misinformation being circulated on social media regarding the inspection and registration requirement for private vehicles that are 10 years or older.

Acting Chief Licensing Officer Treca McCarthy-Broomes stated that all vehicles – private, commercial, and public service vehicles – must be registered with the BLA and insured. However, the annual inspection requirement under Section 14A(1) of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Regulation, 2017 is currently not being enforced for private vehicles that are 10 years or older, and the Authority is seeking to amend that section.

McCarthy-Broomes explained that an inspection is required when a private vehicle that is 10 years or older is being sold or transferred to a new owner. In that case, the new owner must present:

• A roadworthy certificate
• A weight certificate
• A letter of sale
• Valid Insurance
• A valid picture ID
• A completed application form
• A payment of $400 to the Barbados Revenue Authority

She explained that a roadworthy certificate or an investigation is also required in certain situations, such as if a vehicle has been off the road due to an accident or major mechanical failure. Additionally, insurance companies may require a roadworthy certificate once a vehicle reaches 10 years of age.

McCarthy-Broomes said that by the end of May or early June, the BLA will be releasing a list of approved garages that will be able to issue Roadworthy Certificates for compliance, safety, and insurance purposes.

(BGIS)