Thousands of vehicle owners in Barbados are unsure as to their requirements regarding vehicle registration.
Before the abolition of the road tax, vehicle owners used to visit the Barbados Licensing Authority (BLA), insurance papers in hand, to renew their registration and to receive a disc to place on the windshield of their vehicle. The use of the disc was later replaced by a sticker to be placed on the licence plate. The sticker initiative was later scrapped.
Subsequently, thousands have been under the impression that they are no longer required to visit the BLA since there is no disc or sticker to be had. However, of late, personnel from the BLA have been advising vehicle owners that they are still required to visit the BLA to renew their registration, at no cost, in the month in which the vehicle was registered. To complete the process, one must present proof of current insurance coverage.
Further, there is evidence that discs are once again being issued.
What has added to the confusion is a press release apparently issued by the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) on June 22, 2023, which stated: “The BRA advises that vehicle owners of private motor vehicles are not required to come into our offices to renew their vehicle registration. Private vehicle registrations are tied to insurance compliance and this information is submitted to the authority via the insurance company.”
Apparently, vehicle owners are confusing BRA requirements with those of the BLA. I am therefore calling on an official from the BLA or the minister to clear the air on the above as soon as possible.
E Jerome Davis
