B.V.I. Tuesday, October 27 – After almost two months of intermittent licence plate transfers on Tortola, the Ministry of Communications and Works is now moving operations to the sister islands to ensure that everyone will be in compliance with the Road Traffic Regulations 2009 by February 2010 when the six-month phase in grace period is terminated.
“Over the last two months we have seen hundreds of CM to PV licence plate transfers, livery and taxi plate conversions; however, the figures are still not representative of the quantity that are still out there,” Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mrs. Myrna Ferdinand, told the Department of Information and Public Relations.
“We want to take this time to warn individuals and businesses that are not in compliance with the road traffic regulations 2009 that they will have until enforcement of the law begins,” Mrs. Ferdinand added.
She further stated that persons not in compliance will be subject to huge fines and other severe implications as outlined in the regulations.
The licence plate transfer schedule begins on Virgin Gorda from November 2-6 for CM to PV transfers; on November 9, 10, and 13 for the livery service and November 16-18 for taxi conversions.
To obtain one of the livery licence plates, a livery trade licence has to be obtained from the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs, which should be taken to the Vehicle Licensing Department to apply for the livery service that one wishes to operate.
To obtain a livery permit, applicants must possess a valid BVI Driver’s Licence, a police certificate, a certificate of medical fitness, including an eye examination. They will also be required to submit three recent and identical passport photographs along with a $200 application fee. Applicants should also have satisfactorily completed a training course conducted by the BVI Tourist Board and pass a written or oral test on the road traffic laws and possess general knowledge of the Territory.
Expatriate drivers must also possess in addition to the preceding requirements, a valid work permit from the Labour Department which grants permission to work in the BVI under the trade license and business of the intended employer and a particular livery service. A valid entry permit and legal immigration status from the Department of Immigration are also required.
Drivers of livery vehicles, except those with TX drivers’ licences, must have their livery permits in order to operate such vehicles. No license plates will be issued without the livery permit.
Persons are reminded that they should have their vehicle, proof of registration and insurance, livery permit identification and a copy of a current trade licence that indicates the particular livery service intended in order to complete the transfer process.
Government is seeking the cooperation and support of all parties involved to make the transitions as smooth as possible. The licence plate transfers are part of efforts to provide efficient and accurate services in vehicle licensing matters and to enhance drivers’ safety in compliance with the road traffic legislation of the Territory.
British Virgin Islands News