Motorist Will No Longer Be Charged For Not Having Motor Vehicle Documents on Them

Release From Tax Administration Department - July 11, 2025.

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MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION & FITNESS SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Here are the key changes relevant to Motor Vehicle Registration and Fitness, as introduced by the Road Traffic Amendment Act 2025 and related measures, now passed by the House and Senate:

 

🚗 1. Extended Validity of Certificates

Fitness Certificate:

✔     Brand-new vehicles now qualify for a 5-year Fitness Certificate.

✔     Used vehicles (up to 10 years old) receive a 3-year certificate.

✔     Vehicles older than 10 years continue annual renewals.

Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate (Licence):

✔     The current six-month and one-year options remain.

✔     A new two-year registration validity period is now available.

 

📄 2. Digitalization & Elimination of Physical Decals

✔     Certificates (Fitness and Registration) will be electronically issued, accessible via a secure portal or downloadable PDF.

✔     Physical documentation and decals are no longer required.

✔    Motorists will receive email notifications and can view documents online.

✔     Partner Agencies and Entities, including JCF, Financial Institutions and Insurance Companies/Brokers, can verify certificates digitally via the portal, streamlining transactions.

 

 

⚖️ 3. No Requirement to Carry Paper Certificates

✔     The Amendment removes the offence previously incurred for not physically displaying or carrying certificate documents or decals when stopped by the police.

✔     Motorists will not be penalized for failing to present Fitness or Registration Certificates in paper form during inspections.

 

 

🚀 4. Launch Date & Tech Upgrade

✔     The accompanying digital platform is scheduled to be launched on Monday July 21, 2025, marking the start of full implementation.

✔     Legislative alignment ensures the support of the SPEED initiative— “streamlining processes for efficiency and economic development”.

 

 📝 Summary Table for Motorists

 

CHANGE	OLD SYSTEM	NEW SYSTEM
Fitness Certificate validity	1 year for all vehicles	5 yrs (new), 3 yrs (used ≤10 yrs), 1 yr (older vehicles)
Registration validity	6 months / 1 year	6 months, 1 year, or 2 Years
Documentation decals	Paper certificates, decals required	Fully electronic, no paper or decals required
Legal obligation at stops	Must carry/display documents/decals	No penalty for absence of physical documentation
System launch	N/A	July 21, 2025 digital rollout

 

 

📌 What Motorists Should Do

✔    Plan ahead: If purchasing a new or younger used vehicle, expect longer validity with certificates, reducing visits to the licensing authority.

✔    Email address: Motorists MUST provide a valid email address to licence/renew their vehicle registration or get a Fitness Certificate.

✔    Access eCertificates: Use the information in the email received to logon to the secure portal to download, save or print your certificate(s).

✔    Save or print PDFs: Although no physical documents are required, having a digital backup is wise.

✔    Show digital proof: In case of inspection, present your certificate via your smartphone or provide verification through the portal.

 

 

These changes mark a significant modernization of Jamaica’s vehicle licensing system - delivering longer certificate validity, elimination of paper clutter, and legal clarity for motorists.