BVI News

Law now being drafted to restrict older vehicles

Kye Rymer

Following his call to restrict older vehicles back in 2019, Transport Minister Kye Rymer has announced that his ministry is now drafting the legislation that will make it more difficult for persons to import vehicles that are 10 years and older.

Speaking on Claude Skelton Cline’s Honestly Speaking radio show on October 13, Rymer said the Customs Act will likely be amended to make the restriction legal.

“We have been looking at older vehicles — left-hand, right-hand and we are working on legislation at this moment to restrict the importation of vehicles after a certain age. If you still want to import them, the duties would be significantly higher,” Rymer explained.

Certain older vehicles are frequently imported because of affordability. But many are not fuel-efficient and are known to emit large amounts of carbon which contributes to global warming.

During the radio appearance, the minister was asked if the government would consider placing a full ban on older vehicles instead of restrictions.

In response, Minister Rymer said a full ban is not being considered because many people import older vehicles for personal and sentimental reasons.

“You give the option because there are antique vehicles as well. You may see one that is 10 or 15 years old and you may still want to have it as an antique so you give persons that option,” Rymer explained.

He said the legislation would give different rules for trucks and heavy machinery that are usually durable after 10 years. Rymer also reiterated that a ban on older vehicles is necessary because the BVI does not have a proper disposal system for derelict vehicles.

Last year, the Department of Waste Management had announced that it was still experiencing challenges with a number of derelict vehicles since the 2017 hurricanes devastated the territory.

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70 Comments

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  1. Seriously says:

    They need to band right hand vehicles too, they don’t hold their side, they drive stupid.

    Like 20
    Dislike 57
    • @Seriously says:

      We drive on the left hand side of the road here in the BVI. so it is much safer to drive RIGHT HAND DRIVE vehicles…. Basically you have a better vies to pass vehicles that are either slow-moving or stationary.

      Like 47
      Dislike 9
      • @seriously - stupidness and foolishness says:

        I doubt that you have a driving licence.

        Like 4
        Dislike 7
        • Theo says:

          A BVI driving license?

          This is so confusing lol. What he said about why right hand vehicles are safer on “keep left” roads is true. Hence why cars in countries where everyone drives on the left are right hand drive.

          Hey if the BVI wants the world to follow them versus the other way around be my guest lol.

    • @ Seriously says:

      You cant drive that y your talking nonsense. Check how much ppl die from them noisy bikes and left and lefthand vehicle compare to right. idiot!

      Like 11
      Dislike 2
    • Stupidity says:

      Once again stupidity at its best. If your so concerned about the Territory then the age of the vehicle is the least to worry about. The number of vehicles is the real issue. For each vehicle brought into the Territory one has to leave. This pertains to the car dealers as well. By enacting such a law, the older vehicles will disappear. In addition the rusted pieces of garbage laying in peoples yards would disappear as well. You all need to take your heads out of your a**es when thinking up stupid new laws.

      Like 21
      Dislike 5
    • for real says:

      serious thing,for real,they alwayson the center line and over a foot some times,i seen it most time with them.

    • ??? says:

      this is the most stupiest comment I’ve ever heard in my whole life.?‍♂️?‍♂️?‍♂️?‍♂️

  2. @Seriously says:

    We drive on the left hand side of the road here in the BVI. so it is much safer to drive RIGHT HAND DRIVE vehicles…. Basically you have a better vies to pass vehicles that are either slow-moving or stationary.

    Like 17
    Dislike 6
    • Stupes says:

      driving a right hand vehicle gives you the option of driving very close to on-coming vehicles before vee. Thats the only advantage.

    • Response to all says:

      Well majority of the cars that’s here is left hand. So don’t try to come and create problems here. Go where you come from and be comfortable with your right-hand vehicles.

      Like 2
      Dislike 6
      • Choices says:

        You sound so foolish were i comes from has to do with what person’s prefer to drive , i am from right here and i am driving a right hand ìts your choice is my money spend

      • Hmm! says:

        You sound so ignorant. As the person stated. PERSONAL PREFERENCE DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE ARENT FROM HERE. Matter of fact if you can’t drive one and you’re jealous just say so. You just can’t drive !

  3. NO!!!!! says:

    A LAW SHOULD BE DRAFTED TO KEEP THE JACKA**ES ON THE DAMN LOUD BIKES FROM DISTURBING PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR SLEEP AT NIGHT. YOU SILLY POLITICIANS DON’T HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO OR COME UP WITH?

    Like 65
    Dislike 2
    • @No!!!! says:

      Silly indeed. Right hand drive, Left hand drive old cars is not disturbing people out of their sleep at nights. Just plain out stupid.

    • true says:

      They will be know for making the most New Laws ever in history and enforcing none. Government has given the bikers chances to rectify themselves, giving them breaks, even furnish them a bike at DMV o test on! Bikers are not studying them in the least, why should they, there are no consequences to pay! And the Police know everyone of them that is breaking the laws, they see them and turn their heads everyday and every night!

  4. Really says:

    They need to ban right-hand drive vehicles because they don’t keep on their sides and causing accidents.

    Like 11
    Dislike 35
    • Stupidity will always reveal itself says:

      We should be banning left hand drive cars, or we should start driving on the right hand side of the road. What is dangerous is to drive left hand drive cars whilst we drive on the left hand side of the road.
      I suspect that you can’t drive!

      Like 13
    • Theo says:

      Nah they need to Ban cars altogether in the BVI obviously our people are too stupid to comprehend driving motorized vehicles if this is what they’re saying.

  5. Think Again. says:

    An eliteist view point sadly becoming law.

    Focus and legislation should be on removal and proper disposal of vehicles after they served full service.

    The purchasing of a brand new vehicle is unaffordable to most. Affordability for the average is with the older madoels.

    To deny that segemnet of the population that priviledge and oportunity to own personal transport through legislation is the wrong purpose of legislation.

    Such serves only the financial institutions such as banks and other lending institutions.

    Such is thinking is overtly eliteist and discriminatory against the average person.

    Most cannot afford a brand new vehicle. Providing a range of choices for consumers would be a more prudent approach rather than limiting their choices.

    Like 54
    Dislike 1
    • Bossman says:

      Think Again you’re completely right, a law to benefit the rich, the banks and the new car dealers…

      Like 30
      Dislike 2
      • Youth says:

        This is a very forward thinking move and it is the same in a lot of other countries.

        Duty breaks also need to be discussed at the same time for electric and hybrid vehicles.

        Like 4
        Dislike 3
      • Real issue says:

        If they want to help the tax payer they consider a better why of dealing with small man pockets

  6. How about motorbikes? says:

    when is anyone going to enforce:

    – Licenses
    – Insurance
    – Helmets
    – Speeding
    – Running through red lights
    – Cutting people of
    – Noise pollution during day and night

    Like 47
  7. Mob Man says:

    **e R**** is an waste of time , he ain’t doing nttn with the bikes situation at all , all these politicians there for is the money and co*****t the country

    Like 12
    Dislike 2
  8. Pandora's Box says:

    AMEN!!!!!!!

  9. Carbon says:

    The dump.and diesel generators in packwood pond put out more carbon than all of the cars on the roads.

    Like 33
  10. Bossman says:

    Think Again you’re completely right, a law to benefit the rich, the banks and the new car dealers…

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
  11. Ausar says:

    Sooooo, Honourable Rymer, are you going to offer rebates, or some kind of tax incentive, for the unfortunates who cannot afford new vehicles?

    I understand why this is neccessary, but from an economical savings standpoint, it’s so unfortunate that government will now dictate, how much one can spend for a car.

    We really need to analyze how this will affect real economies of our people;

    Especially during these difficult times!

    Like 14
    Dislike 1
  12. 1st district says:

    It’s ALSO ILLEGAL TO TURN A COMFORTABLE TWO(2) LANE ROAD INTO A THREE(3) LANE ROAD. THIS SELF SERVING GOVERNMENT NEED TO BE GONE!!IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS LAW TO HELP IN THE CAR SALE OF HIS CAR DEALERS FRIENDS ?? OR IS IT THAT WE THE POOR PEOPLE HAVE REALIZE HOW TO BEAT THE THIEFING DEALERS AFTER SO MANY YEARS OF HIJACKING IMPORTED CAR PRICES. YOU ARE NOT FOR THE POOR AND NOTHING DEMOCRATIC ABOUT YOU. SPEND TIME IMPROVING YOUR MINISTRY AND TASK AT HAND. FULL AH IT!!

    Like 24
    Dislike 3
  13. Mestizo says:

    they need to ban left-hand drive van dropping people in the middle of the road, it is just a matter of time to have someone rundown in the road. we try copy anything that happens on st Thomas but they have better sense than us.

    Like 15
    Dislike 1
  14. Heckler says:

    They need to start by banning all of those fancy GV plate vehicles with leather, 22 inch rims, and sunroof, especially the ones for Ministers and heads of Departments. Let them buy their own cars.

    Government only needs to be buying base model vehicles unless its for the Speaker, Governor, or Premier.

    Like 27
  15. island man says:

    The VIP dont like island people

    Like 10
    Dislike 1
    • @island man says:

      caucasian man, stop your divisive racism.

      Island and BVI people know and accept each other.

      If you get your wish and have the modern day columbus return in the form of British marines, it would matter not whether we are local BVIslanders or from down island. We all will be limped into one mental basket, as we are today, and treated with the viciousness and atrocities as in the past.

      So, stop using social and BVI News media to spread your hate and devisive tactics. Will not work. Good try, but we got yah!

      Like 3
      Dislike 2
  16. Pandora's Box says:

    Once again Government’s narrow minded ill-informed arrogance and total lack of understanding leads to the writing of a law that makes no sense! Cost of living and lower wage earners will be hammered hardest by a law like this. I just shake my head!

    The answer is simple and far less complex – Make sure cars that are on the road are well maintained and kept up to date with the necessary requirements to have the vehicle operational. Age is not a concern, and cars are considerably more functional way past ten years these days than many were before. So limiting cars to 10 years is a joke.

    What about the heavy equipment, trucks, etc. that are ancient, high pollution, and destructive to the roads and infrastructure? Thought about that issue, and having laws regulating their age, operation, and maintenance?

    One primary issue is when you make personal transportation cost prohibitive for lower wage earners they’ll have no way to go back and forth to work, deal with emergencies, food transport, etc.. Is Government going to make them take a taxi for ridiculous rates, limited destinations, and bad attitudes? Or how about our great public transport system that you’ve implemented to mitigate this vehicle issue? It is non existent. There is no public transport that runs on all islands from East to West and North to South?! You going to develop that system first and require they take that?

    For the love of God come up with a plan you have actually thought through rather than throwing $hit out there you have no clue about and threating to make it law!

    Hardly one f-ing thing has this Government come up with in the last 8 months that makes any sense to help us progress through this economic nightmare brought on by this pandemic.

    There is an old saying – ‘be mindful of the future but not at the expense of the moment’! Please, please, please get a plan together for the immediate issues this country faces and address them with some urgency.

    After the immediate and more urgent matters are resolved deal with all the stuff that makes you feel like you’ve actually done something. However, just a little common sense, understanding, and research as to the far reaching impacts of your proposed actions would be most appreciated before you threaten laws that make no sense! Reach out to the public for input rather than your closed door policies and singular forums of advice!

    Remember who you work for!

    Like 28
    Dislike 1
  17. @@ Seriously says:

    Since 1950 and before, people in the BVI have been driving left hand side vehicles. There were no adverse effects to getting from point A to point B, then until now.

    Everyone made the necessary intelligent driving decisions to remain safe.

    Today, some low IQ posts are advocating a mandate to require a right hand choice to be allowed on street, simply because that is what some are accustomed to.

    When, no matter the drive, all it takes is competent driving skills and paying attention to the what happening on road at all times.

    All of a sudden, some want to impose their personal view and driving custom on the driving public.

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
  18. This is a difficult one... says:

    I bought in a vehicle in 2017 after the hurricanes, it was a 2005… The car looks new, works like its new and smells new, it still works like a new car to this day..all I paid was $900.Us plus $2,200 for shipping little to clear it, in all less than $4,000.00.. it worth every cent and more…..How They going to figure this out?, a 15 yr old car sometimes work much better than a 8 yr old car..

    Like 19
  19. This is a difficult one... says:

    I brought in a vehicle in 2017 after the hurricanes, it was a 2005… The car looks new, works like its new and smells new, it still works like a new car to this day..all I paid was $900.Us plus $2,200 for shipping little to clear it, in all less than $4,000.00.. it worth every cent and more…..How They going to figure this out?, a 15 yr old car sometimes work much better than a 8 yr old car..

    Like 7
    Dislike 1
  20. Mr Shovels says:

    The poor people can’t catch a break around here smh…

  21. My car says:

    IS ALMOST TEN YEARS OLD AND IS WORKING JUST FINE. I SHOULD CONSIDER ALTERING MY CAR TO MAKE A WHOLE LOT OF NOISE AND DRIVE THROUGH THE PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT NEIGHBORHOOD AND DISTURB THEM OUT OF THEIR SLEEP. GO DRAFT LAW TO STOP THE NOISE FROM THE LOUD BIKES AT NIGHT. LOOKS LIKE THE GOVERNMENT IS SCURD AKA AFRAID OF THE BIKERS.

  22. Just says:

    VIP will be kicked to the curb soon. If you employ someone to do a job and they are not good at the job, you TERMINATE THEIR SERVICES. REMINDER, THE PEOPLE IS YOUR BOSS, THE GOVERNMENT IS EMPLOYED BY THE PEOPLE, THE PEOPLE PAYS THE GOVERNMENT SALARY. PLEASE GOVERNMENT, STOP BITING THE HANDS THAT FEEDS OR IT WILL BACKFIRE. THE PEOPLE VOTED YOU IN AND THE PEOPLE HAVE THE POWER TO VOYE YOU OUT. Don’t ALLOW THEM TO THINK THEY HAVE POWER, THE PEOPLE IS THE ONES HOLDING THE POWER.

    Like 17
  23. Hone boy says:

    I think all vehicles important should go through a dealer.we have to pay every year for a trade license to import cars and anyone could purchase a car that’s not fear.The other Caribbean countries has that law.only dealers can import cars.

    Like 2
    Dislike 29
  24. The fact says:

    is, a ten year and even older vehicle is seldom troublesome and always reliable.

    What in the world is that gentle man thinking.

    Like 13
  25. It happens says:

    Many Caribbean islands have this ban in place for several years now. This is a very good move. Its long overdue. Lets get rid of all single use plastics and styrofoam. It is time for us to do our part in cleaning up this small island. A plan is urgently needed to get rid of all the green garbage bins around the island. They are unsightly,they harbor rats and roaches. Drive through the eastern end of the bvi my gosh it’s a disgrace to see the garbage along the road sides and around the bins. Something needs to be done immediately. Please mr minister get the law going these old cars have serious emission effects on the people of the territory.

    Like 2
    Dislike 9
    • Sooooo says:

      @It happens, so the BVI have to wait and see how other Caribbean Countries did something before they decide to do something? A POLITICIAN SHOULD ALWAYS BE A FORWARD THINKER

  26. good thing and about time says:

    old cars apart from congesting roads and ending up dumped roadside after couple years bring very little revenue for Govt in duty and pile up at Pockwood Pond for Govt to pay to export and dump soon after. Yes law would help car dealers who pay duty taxes, employ staff, buy parts, pay rent and contribute to the BVI economy

    Like 2
    Dislike 8
    • Curious says:

      There has been a law on the books for years that states ALL vehicles imported to the Territory are charged $500 for disposal… where is this money for disposal and if it has not been being collected why not?

      As far as emissions – until we choose something other than fire to dispose of our garbage think automobile exhaust is far more favourable than the dioxins & toxins that come from burning our trash…

      Pass laws that are based on something real & enforce laws that have been on the books for donkey years….smh

  27. Rubber Duck says:

    What you need to do Mr Rymer is to encourage the use of electric vehicles by charging no to low duty on their importation. We live in a place blessed with free energy from the sun that could easily power our vehicles. Everyone could charge his vehicle with solar panels for free and at home. We also live on small islands where long journeys are not necessary. Cut pollution noise and fuel costs and go electric.

  28. thinking out louder says:

    so does this mean minimum wage going to be adjusted/increased and taxes reduced,or regulations on house rent so we can afford these newer version and climate friendly vehicles?

  29. Jah Know says:

    A 10 year old vehicle is a brand new vehicle to us middle and lower class ppl, we cannot afford to bring 5 years or newer vehicles. 10 years go by so quick and most vehicles still operates like brand-new at 10 years ….this is not a good move. This government just do things whether the ppl like it or not and that’s not good

    Like 9
    Dislike 1
  30. Jah Know says:

    Also you said older vehicles not good for the atmosphere with the global warming…why not set a year limit like 2007 for example because you’re basically saying in 2030, a 2020 vehicle will not be acceptable because of bad emissions but yet still 2020 vehicles are good to bring in now in 2020. Please rethink this law and come again.

  31. It says:

    is becoming more and more evident that every member of the current government, ruling and opposition alike, are working only to enhance their personal/business and future financial interest.

  32. Anonymous says:

    ok why dont he buy cars for people that cant afford the more upto date cause they more expensive

  33. Be Real says:

    This is just to help the car dealers and has nothing to do with disposal of old vehicle. Why don’t you pass a law that will enable the disposal of all these old junks lying around for years. DMV have records of the owners, take them to court and let them pay for the disposal of the old junks lying around.

  34. Hmm says:

    My rhymer I think you need to focus on fixing the roads first and then see to do anything else.
    On the other hand people are buying vehicles that they can afford and like, not everyone can afford a vehicle from the dealership. If you want people to stop import vehicle with the amount of years you talking about I suggest you talk to the dealers to lower their prices so they will have customers.
    Like I said, focus on the roads first, tourism starting soon, dont let people come back and be like “these roads ain’t fix yet ?” Or “ these roads got worst”

  35. Idiotic says:

    First off, a 18-year-old, well-maintained vehicle s not a hazard. I’ve got a beautiful 2002 BMW, which burns LESS fuel, runs CLEANER, is gentler on these poorly-designed and never-maintained roads than your ugly, gas-guzzling, road-hogging, washed-everyday-in-a-desert-island pig f an SUV!!!

    Forget the model year son, check out the emissions, like every other environmentally-conscious cat. Get with the program and stop making nonsense laws to keep yourselves in the news. Make a difference, not just noise.

  36. Hmmm says:

    Perhaps the government would be wiser to invest its time and energy into more urgent problems such as the economy, the pandemic, how to open the territory to tourism, and how to come up with a way for locals to be able to get to St. Thomas now that the Xmas holidays are coming.
    I agree that the disposal of old vehicles presents a challenge. This could be funded by a disposal fee for every new vehicle imported into the territory. A disposal fee could also be added when renewing registration for vehicles that are already here. People who want to keep older vehicles (Say more than 12-15 years) would need to bring them in for inspection and verification of operability. With the fees collected, govt could then set up a system to collect and dispose of non-operational or derelict vehicles. There could be some kind of credit given towards vehicle disposal fees for those who do dispose of their vehicles properly. In short, there are many possible rational solutions. The problem is not going to go away by banning vehicles of a certain age, as whatever gets brought here is likely to remain, and will eventually ”age” out.

  37. true says:

    They will be known for making the most New Laws ever in history and enforcing none. Government has given the bikers chances to rectify themselves, giving them breaks, even furnish them a bike at DMV o test on! Bikers are not studying them in the least, why should they, there are no consequences to pay! And the Police know everyone of them that is breaking the laws, they see them and turn their heads everyday and every night!

  38. ??? says:

    this is the most stupiest comment I’ve ever heard in my whole life.?‍♂️?‍♂️?‍♂️?‍♂️

    • Theo says:

      BVINews this new satirical format is awesome. However it distracts from the real issues BVI officials are sincerely trying to address.

  39. Theo says:

    Govt need to level all the hills in the BVI. When every mountain is brought to the level of Anegada then we will see some real fuel efficiency.

    They can also use the extra rubble to fill all the pot holes which keep ruining my new 2021 car.

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