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.

The Road Traffic (Amendment) Regulation, 2017, Section 14A (1) states:

“Upon payment of the prescribed fee, the Licensing Authority shall conduct an annual inspection of any motor vehicle that is 10 years or older and licensed as a private vehicle. If the vehicle is found to be unfit for transporting persons, the owner will be notified in writing and given 14 days to correct the defects.”

Acting Chief Licensing Officer (CLO), 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) is currently not being enforced for private vehicles that are 10 years or older, and the Authority is seeking to amend that section.

Mrs. 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.

The acting CLO stated that, by the end of May or early June 2025, the BLA will be releasing a list of approved garages that will be able to issue Roadworthy Certificates for compliance, safety, and insurance purposes.

Mrs. McCarthy-Broomes said: “Barbadians will soon be able to visit approved garages to confirm that their vehicles are roadworthy and fit to drive on our roads. Persons may also use these approved garages to assess the roadworthiness of a vehicle before making a purchase from a private seller.

 “We cannot stress safety enough. Vehicle owners must take every measure to ensure the safety of themselves, their loved ones, and other road users.” (PR/GIS)