The Road Traffic Regulations – ‘Dead’ and ‘Retired’ Vehicles

Regulation 15 (1-7) of the Road Traffic Act and Regulations, 2022, outlines the process of getting a vehicle declared ‘dead’ or ‘retired’.

A ‘dead vehicle’ is one that has been certified by the Authority as being no longer road worthy or repairable and therefore should be dismantled for parts or destroyed.

A ‘retired vehicle’ refers to one that has been certified by the Authority as needing substantial repairs in order to become serviceable and is unlikely to be restored.

The Authority considers the following when certifying a motor vehicle as ‘dead’:

• The motor vehicle has been dismantled or destroyed
• The motor vehicle is severely burnt or otherwise damaged
• The structural integrity of the motor vehicle is so compromised that it is unsafe to operate the vehicle on the road

The Authority considers the following when certifying a motor vehicle as ‘retired’:

•  Whether it is irreplaceably or permanently unserviceable
• Whether it is so damaged that it is uneconomical to restore the vehicle
• Whether the spare parts for the motor vehicle are still being manufactured
• Whether the chassis number of the motor vehicle has been obliterated
• The length of time that the motor vehicle has not been licensed

When a motor vehicle is dismantled, destroyed or cannot be safely operated, owners should:

• Apply to the ITA for a Dead or Retired Vehicle Certificate by completing and submitting the relevant forms.
• Deliver the certificate of title and licence certificate to the ITA
• Pay the required fee for a Retired or Dead Vehicle Certificate

After the issuance of a Dead or Retired Vehicle Certificate, the motor vehicle’s title will also be cancelled, and its documents amended in the National Vehicle Registry to indicate its new status.

To view the Road Traffic Regulations, 2022, please visit:
https://japarliament.gov.jm/attachments/article/339/Road-Traffic-Regulations-May-20–2022—complete.pdf

For additional information, contact:
Island Traffic Authority
38H Maxfield Avenue
Kingston 10
Tel: 876-754-1900-1/876-754-2590-3
Email: ps@mtw.gov.jm
Website: https://mtm.gov.jm/ita
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Twitter: @MTMJamaica