Amnesty to hit reset button for unlicensed vehicles

| 24/04/2019 | 63 Comments
Cayman News Service

Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing

(CNS): The Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) has announced an amnesty for unlicensed vehicles, starting on Monday, 29 April, that will hit the reset button on owed fees for all unlicensed vehicles. Drivers will only have to pay the fees to license their cars going forward and all due fees will be waived, officials said. The aim is to help people who have accrued a mounting backlog of fees for vehicles, no matter the reason. The amnesty will run for six months, ending on Friday, 1 November, after which owners will become liable again for costs associated with vehicles.

“Government has recognised that circumstances beyond some persons’ control may have led to a backlog of fees going back to Ivan in some cases,” said Minister Joey Hew. “Some were unable to keep up with the fees, whereas others just forgot to terminate the vehicle prior to disposal. In response, government has made the decision to provide a one-time relief for persons to catch up with their licensing fees and bring vehicles back into compliance to clear up the register without penalty.”

The DVDL said that if a vehicle is roadworthy owners should keep their registration plates. Those wanting to re-license, sell or transfer ownership of their vehicles should go to their local DVDL office to have their vehicle inspected. They can then re-license at the same location, avoiding the fees that have accrued during the unlicensed period.

“It is important that customers choosing this amnesty pathway do not place their registration plates into the amnesty drop boxes, which will be stationed at all DVDL locations,” officials said in a release. “If the vehicle is not yet roadworthy, customers are asked to visit the DVDL location to suspend their vehicle until repairs are complete and it is ready for use and owners are to retain their plates.”

Drivers must suspend their vehicles within the amnesty period to avoid further back-fees.

Any vehicle still in the owner’s possession that will not return to the road should be taken to the George Town Landfill but owners should remove the plates and drop them off at any DVDL location. If a legal owner no longer has a vehicle that is still registered because it has been destroyed in a natural disaster, but still has the registration plates, those can be dropped off with no questions asked. This can be done with or without the corresponding log book, at any DVDL location.

Other aims of the amnesty include reducing the number of unsightly and abandoned vehicles across the country. The DVDL said owners of derelict vehicles should dispose of their cars and trucks responsibly at the George Town Landfill, if they no longer wish to drive them. They said registered owners can face charges under the Cayman Islands Litter Law if vehicles are left derelict and abandoned.

Alongside the amnesty, the DVDL said all its customers can now benefit from the department’s online Guest Vehicle Renewal Service. This can be found on the DVDL website or through the e-services portal. Drivers can also check whether new plates are ready for collection, using the online tool on the DVDL website.

The online renewal service applies to vehicles that have old or new style plates. Customers should ensure their vehicle has been inspected and then input their plate number and upload a digital or scanned copy of their insurance showing the vehicle is currently covered. Payment for both renewal and inspection can be made through the online portal.

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Category: Local News

Comments (63)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Someone’s cousin got a car that been sitting for a while.

  2. Anonymous says:

    When Joey Hew says, “Government” surely he means “Cabinet”. The administrative side of CIG does not have the authority to waive inconvenient laws that prove to be too onerous for average constituents to adhere to. What a joke this entire regime is.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Is there a difference between waiving laws without authority and corruption? Is it incompetence?

  3. Right ya so says:

    I would wager that most of the cars that are unlicensed probably wouldn’t pass inspection anyway – sounds like a great opportunity to tag them for the scrap heap. Too many cars on the road belching noxious smoke, fumes, lights that don’t work, brakes that barely work driven by people that bought their licences & can’t drive anyway – this includes those driving, phone in one hand, food in the other & baby sitting in their lap!

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    • Anonymous says:

      What a wide ranging comment. Sounds like you’ve covered everyone you don’t like. Well done!

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  4. Sad says:

    From now til May 2019, it’s all downhill . . .

  5. Anonymous says:

    Think I’ll put that I’ve paid licence fees for 2 cars for 8 years on my PR form, see if it get’s me any points for being a pillar of society.

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  6. Anonymous says:

    Every country has an amnesty! Relax people. It’s going to be OK. React like this and get involved with the Dock issue, education issues, environmental issues, Child abuse issues, animal cruelty issues, unemployment issues, school levers not finding jobs issues…………………….. Really there is more to worry about than this. Relax your pockets isn’t lined the same as your neighbors. Who knows why someone (like myself) will take advantage of this….. All I-know is that it helps my family and others. Well done minister! My vote counts. Many commenting can’t vote.

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  7. AA says:

    How many vehicles have accrued fees?

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    • Anonymous says:

      I am 100% sure that nobody knows.

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      • Anonymous says:

        We got a call recently from DVDL, alas, not to collect our new plates which have been pending for 3+ years, but to enquire when we planned to renew licensing for two cars long ago destroyed in Ivan (2004). The plates from which had been lawfully surrendered, in return for 10% import duty waivers on replacements. DVDL had no record of any of that. If that’s the competency level behind the curtain, this is nothing more than another civil service cover up job, orchestrated by Hew and Cabinet for the Deputy Governor.

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  8. Anonymous says:

    I like cats

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  9. Anonymous says:

    And for those of us who follow the law? Do we get a $100 off or a free 6 months? Ffs

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    • Anonymous says:

      13:39 pm, only the criminals gets a break, nothing for the law abiding citizens . Dope addicts working for Govt. Gets 6 months free with all expensives paid on full wages in a rehad, but if you are hard working law abiding worker, you get nothing extra to encourage you to continue to be good, everything is in place for the bad guys.

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  10. Say it like it is says:

    We have hundreds of dishonest car owners on the road who have continued to drive for years in some cases without licencing their vehicles, just to save money. These people must be laughing all the way to the bank, at the suckers who have paid up.

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  11. Sand Whitey says:

    So a gun amnesty is fine with ya’ll but not a license amnesty?!?!? Simple minded much?!?!? This is the problem with Cayman and the rest of the world now too damn selfish and simple minded…. Instead of unna trying to encourage those who don’t have their cars legit ya’ll lashing out about “what about us who abide by the law”, “one idiot wants a refund LOL”, one brighty wants “a compensation for being a law abider” LMAOOOO!!! Why is it that instead of helping one another to do better we continue to bash each other and put each other down or try to hold each other down huh? WHY???? Where is the UNITY????? OH THAT’S RIGHT, THERE ISN’T ANY!!!!!! THAT’S WHY WE FALLING APART DAILY AS A COUNTRY AND AS PEOPLE!!!!! No wonder Cayman keeps getting worse DAILY!!!!!!!!!

    And for those brighty’s who think other wise…. I’M CAYMANIAN!!!!!

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    • Anonymous says:

      That’s the problem with the internet. Any ole idiot has access to spout nonsense on it.

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      • Sand Whitey says:

        Hence why you’re here!! People like you are the prime example of Idiots having access to the internet.. Ya’ll too simple minded bruv!!! Ya’ll looking at what’s right in front of unna but not down the road… No wonder Cayman is doomed it’s loaded with people like you… TSK TSK

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        • Jotnar says:

          Yeah! 947 too simple minded. He obviously thinks if you just let people get away with not paying fees and following the rules, instead of enforcing them, then no one is going to pay any fees on anything – how stupid is that?

          Well guess what genius, people already don’t pay all sorts of fees and costs – their employees pension and health premiums, their vehicle licensing and inspection fees, trade and business licences, child maintenance – nor do they follow basic traffic laws like speeding, tint, parking, or public access laws like beach access – because no one enforces them!!!!

          To quote Sand Whitey – THAT’S WHY WE FALLING APART DAILY AS A COUNTRY AND AS PEOPLE!!!!! Not because we don’t support one another – because people break the rules that are designed to ensure we act sensibly and collectively as a civilized society with impunity.

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          • Anonymous says:

            It’s not stupid to ignorant people. It’s not stupid to those who do not follow the laws of society. And it’s not stupid to third world cultured persons. It’s just what they believe in. These poor people will never have the present and future world work for them as they are only living for a world that has moved on past their own ability to keep up. While others thrive they will only fight a losing battle to survive.

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    • Sharkey says:

      We bash each other, “Sandy Whitey” because Cayman is full corrupt ( illiterate )individuals, who pass laws and then completely ignore them…like you
      In the real world, where the rest of humanity manage to function, they have laws that mean something and that are applied to all people all the time, there are no exceptions and all citizens are treated with the same rules, its called Civilisation!
      They have Police and Courts to ensure that what is agreed by the people is enforced for the benefit of all…its not optional you idiot

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      • Sand Whitey says:

        Cool story bro! Not like it matters to me anyway, I have 6 cars which are all licensed and insured the 7th can’t be licensed because its a race car… Those who are less fortunate are who we should be trying to encourage and help to take advantage of this.. I’m good tbh.. No woman, no kids&no debt so I can afford everything I want without a problem but that doesn’t mean I’d lash out on this like the rest of you brightys!!! Just because we are law abiding citizens doesn’t give us the right to lash out on the less privileged!!! You NEVER know what someone is going through, EVER.. Yet instead of trying to help ya’ll choose to cry about yourselves, bunch of selfish pricks is what ya’ll are… Just remember tho…. Any card can be drawn, any number can play, so watch what you do and say, you’ll never know when its gonna be your day!!!!!!!! Clearly its not optional for you either, you’re just born that way…. Simple mined and selfish!!!

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    • Anonymous says:

      8:55 am, how many yrs you and friends never paid ?

  12. Anonymous says:

    “Government has recognised that circumstances beyond some voters’ control may have led to a backlog of fees going back to Ivan in some cases,” Like the poor voter who had no registration, no license, and no problem killing a law abiding bicycle rider last week. If only this government was as understanding with law abiding people living here. But I understand that only voters have any power here. Law abiding people are just livestock.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Thanks for implying that as a voter I can not be law abiding as well.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Want some cheese with that whine? That’s not what the poster said. Didn’t suggest all voters break the rules, but rather that the government is more concerned about losing votes than voters following the rules. If you are a law abiding voter good for you. But its a real problem when government indicates a policy approach on fees that are meant to apply to everyone living here is being driven by how it impacts voters in isolation.

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        • Anonymous says:

          Nope. If you read what they actually wrote its quite clear what the poster thinks of all of us voters.

      • Anonymous says:

        Your fridge is in the mail

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  13. Anonymous says:

    Great news! Can finally register my car! When I bought it, it was broken but I fixed it and is now roadworthy but the backlicence is from 2010. This will help a lot.

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  14. Anonymous says:

    Thank you. This will help my family.

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    • Anonymous says:

      New iPhones all around!

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      • Anonymous says:

        Sounds like you have money. Share it or don’t comment. Everyone has a time when a little hand up is needed. Why is it bothering you so much? Shut your windows and leave people alone. – Happy Days ahead.

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  15. 7MB says:

    This is the most crap ever. I’ve paid all my fees each year incur additional cost because the inspector found an issue where there was none take it to the mechanic and now you’re telling me others get a waiver of fees? Good luck in the next election 7 votes gone from you Minister.

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    • Anonymous says:

      He just picked up your 7 plus 2 more from me. Not everyone is in the same financial situation as you and things like my family can change overnight. One illness, one paycheck and it happens. Give thanks to God you could pay yours over the years even if it was a struggle. WOW!!

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  16. Anonymous says:

    Why don’t you all shut up and try finding something else more important and constructive to talk about. Quit complaining like little girls the government are just trying to help the people who couldn’t do what you could or would’ve done.I hope all of you are born Caymanians that’s what’s more important.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Can’t afford to tax or fix your car then you shouldn’t be driving. Plain and simple. Leave nationality out of it.

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  17. Anonymous says:

    I can see why this is being done, but, ffs, talk about a slap in the face of all the drivers who diligently obey the law, waste many hours queuing in the DVDL and generally jump through hoops.

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  18. Anonymous says:

    Why have laws at all.

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    • Anonymous says:

      To make it look like this is a law abiding country. Everyone who resides here understands that there are laws. Everyone who abides here also realizes that they do not yet have enforcement of the laws. Third world culture is alive and still in control here. plan accordingly.

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  19. Anonymous says:

    So we are rewarding people for breaking the law because the police are too lazy to do their jobs!? Horse shit is what this is!

    Where is my compensation for being a law abider and keeping my vehicle road worthy and licensed??

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    • Anonymous says:

      This is really not a police issue, so stop placing blame where it’s not due. This is purely the arse about face way the DVDL go about collecting money. The systems in place are stupid, and currently reward those who couldn’t give a toss about paying.

      Ridiculous queues, unhelpful staff, and strange fee structures are just some of their fortes.

      E-portal???? They don’t even answer emails, so I gave up on that.

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      • Anonymous says:

        It sure is a police issue! If the police would bother to ticket people for not licensing their vehicles maybe people would be more inclined to go pay their fees. There is no enforcement so no one bothers to license their cars!

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        • Anonymous says:

          If you go to the judiciary website, you’ll see there is a dedicated traffic court. You think these idiots hand themselves in???

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        • Anonymous says:

          Please stop crying!! Really, this is getting you this upset?

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    • Anonymous says:

      What does police have to do with irresponsible people not licensing their vehicle? If they receive a ticket you argue. If a warrant is executed on behalf of the court for Default of psyment you cry murder. When will ppl stop blaming the police for every social and personal problems? Obviously you believe that police make these laws. Please stop finding fault with what the police do. What’s next? You’ll blame them that you are breathing? Please!!

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    • Freda Hopkins says:

      What’s wrong with some of you degenerates?
      Why don’t you focus on the wrong doer and stop blaming the police? Should the world end tomorrow you’d blame the police with your last breath for that too.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Freda – I think you’ll find the degenerates are the ones driving around in unlicensed un-roadworthy vehicles putting the rest of the population in danger.

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        • Anonymous says:

          unlicensed, *uninsured* un-roadworthy vehicles. Yep they are the degenerates!

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        • Anonymous says:

          And who are allowed to by an incompetent police force who do not do their job. Can you imagine how easy it is to generAte a list of unlicensed vehicles, pay their owners a visit, and prosecute those who are actually using them. Consistent law enforcement is one thing the RCIP seems incapable of effectively doing.

  20. Anonymous says:

    I want a refund.

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  21. Breadfruit says:

    Great, but how does this stop people from waiting and getting 5-6 extra months free?

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  22. L.D. says:

    why should everyone else obey the law

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