Persons paying their license at the Department of Motor Vehicles will now have to pay an additional fee.
The Derelict Vehicle Disposal Fee implemented by the Ministry of Health and Social Development is now in effect and is being collected in accordance with the Derelict Vehicles Disposal Act, 2000.
Motorists will have to pay this one-time fee at the Department of Motor Vehicles as part of the vehicle licensing process. The fee varies according the weight of the vehicle.
Category A (1500–3000 lbs), the fee will be $60, Category B (3000–6000 lbs)- $85 and Category C (Over 6,000 lbs)- $125.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development says collection of this fee directly supports the removal, processing, and export of derelict vehicles across the Territory.
In an earlier statement, Minister Vincent Wheatley said with the fee now in effect, vehicle owners are playing their part in ensuring that the Virgin Islands remains clean, safe, and environmentally sound.
This initiative he says not only addresses the problem of abandoned vehicles, but also enhances the tourism product, protects public health, and reinforces accountability.”
The public is also reminded that under the Derelict Vehicles Disposal Act, 2000, authorities may issue notices and impound vehicles abandoned on public or private land. Once a notice is issued, vehicle owners have 14 days for removal on public property and 21 days on private property before Government proceeds with removal and disposal.