Cabinet Lifts Restriction On Large Engine Bikes
The importation motorcycles above 125cc has been given the greenlight by Cabinet; however, there will be some strict rules accompanying this move.
Cabinet made the decision at its meeting held on November 29th.
It is currently illegal to have a motorbike above 125cc in the Territory, and over the years there has been debate on allowing the use of larger bikes.
However, those currently unhappy with the current scooter use remain adamant that larger bikes should not be allowed, even though on numerous occasions officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force have confiscated illegal bikes in the Territory.
Cabinet has agreed the Minister of Finance may vary the import and export restrictions on 125 cc engine size limit on motorcycles and their parts pursuant to the Customs Management and Duties Act, 2010, section 85(3)(a).
Further, that pursuant to decision (a), the Minister for Finance shall allow increased engine sizes on a number of condition.
Among the conditions is for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licensing mechanism for motor cycles be revamped to impose a three-prong licensing regime; Basic Training (make existing programme compulsory for every motor cycle rider); Theoretical Testing; Full Rider Testing; Minimum age limit for larger cc engine sizes; Minimum riding experience for larger cc engine sizes; and Importation as collectables for static displays.
It was further decided that the importation and sale of all motorcycles is only permitted to dealers authorised by the Government of the Virgin Islands; decided that any persons desirous of importing a motorcycle to the Territory must obtain a certificate from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Also, that revamping the existing licensing mechanism for motor cycles will ensure that all riders would have demonstrated their competence and safe level of riding on public roadways by age and experience; and he/she has received instructions in operations, maintenance, emergencies, defensive riding, judgement, and use of safety equipment from a DMV approved programme.
This move comes as no surprise since it was mentioned by the Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Andrew Fahie and Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Kye Rymer in March and May of this year, respectively.
Minister Rymer had suggested that, the legal engine size be increased to 600cc, with the appropriate control measures in place to continue a safe cycling environment.
It is currently illegal to have a motorbike above 125cc in the Territory, and over the years there has been debate on allowing the use of larger bikes.
However, those currently unhappy with the current scooter use remain adamant that larger bikes should not be allowed, even though on numerous occasions officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force have confiscated illegal bikes in the Territory.
Cabinet has agreed the Minister of Finance may vary the import and export restrictions on 125 cc engine size limit on motorcycles and their parts pursuant to the Customs Management and Duties Act, 2010, section 85(3)(a).
Further, that pursuant to decision (a), the Minister for Finance shall allow increased engine sizes on a number of condition.
Among the conditions is for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licensing mechanism for motor cycles be revamped to impose a three-prong licensing regime; Basic Training (make existing programme compulsory for every motor cycle rider); Theoretical Testing; Full Rider Testing; Minimum age limit for larger cc engine sizes; Minimum riding experience for larger cc engine sizes; and Importation as collectables for static displays.
It was further decided that the importation and sale of all motorcycles is only permitted to dealers authorised by the Government of the Virgin Islands; decided that any persons desirous of importing a motorcycle to the Territory must obtain a certificate from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Also, that revamping the existing licensing mechanism for motor cycles will ensure that all riders would have demonstrated their competence and safe level of riding on public roadways by age and experience; and he/she has received instructions in operations, maintenance, emergencies, defensive riding, judgement, and use of safety equipment from a DMV approved programme.
This move comes as no surprise since it was mentioned by the Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Andrew Fahie and Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Kye Rymer in March and May of this year, respectively.
Minister Rymer had suggested that, the legal engine size be increased to 600cc, with the appropriate control measures in place to continue a safe cycling environment.
