Reading Time: 4 minutes

By Ainsworth Morris

Daryl Vaz, Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, has announced that starting July 1, persons renewing motor vehicle registrations will have the option to pay for up to two years versus the current maximum of one year. 

Daryl Vaz made the “good news” announcement at the opening ceremony for the inaugural Jamaica Auto Show inside the National Arena in Kingston on Saturday.

Also, in alignment with the strategic vision for a digital government and a more convenient, cost-effective public service model, the government will be modernising the motor vehicle registration and fitness certification process.

“You could not expect me to come here and not bring good news. In alignment with the strategic vision for a digital government and a more convenient, cost-effective public service model, the government is modernising the motor vehicle registration and fitness certification process. Under this initiative, motorists who meet the necessary criteria will benefit from extended validity periods for both motor vehicle registration and fitness certificates,” Vaz said. 

“More significantly, these certifications will be issued electronically, eliminating the need for physical documents, such as the MVRC vehicular sticker, printing motor vehicle registration and fitness certificates,” he said. 

He said this digital shift will bring tangible value and will reduce the government’s reliance on costly certification papers, embedded with physical security features, and substantial savings.

“Motorists will be notified via email and directed to a secured portal by entering two key pieces of information. They can access summary details or download a PDF and registration of fitness documents,” Vaz said.

“Businesses and service providers will also benefit, as the same portal allows for quick and easy verification when conducting transactions with vehicle owners. This, along with the existing system validation services, will ensure the integrity in business transactions, as fraud prevention remains a top priority. This, ladies and gentlemen, marks a significant step forward in creating a more connected, efficient and city-centred digital society,” he said.      

Under this initiative, motorists who meet the necessary criteria will also benefit from extended validity periods for both motor vehicle registration and fitness certificates.

Vaz also reiterated some recent motor vehicle benefits the government would implement through tax offices islandwide, where, for first-time registered vehicles, they will be valid for five years. 

“New cars getting fitness for the first time, five years; vehicles 10 years and younger, three years; vehicles 10 years and younger, one year. The freeze remains what they are now,” Vaz said.

On the heels of an alarm raised regarding the number of cars with blue demonstration plates crashed in the country, Vaz said there will be a new policy coming soon.

“We are now consulting with the National Security Council to get inputs from the law enforcement to make sure that we’re not just dealing with the issue as it relates to demonstration plates for dealers, whether new or used car dealers,” he said.

Vaz noted that there are three options on the table, and that announcement will be made in short order.

“All of this becomes effective July 1, 2025. We have some legislation to deal with to make sure that when we put it into force, it will be properly done, in terms of following due process… I think that that will go a far way in facilitating smoother transactions,” he said. 

Regarding this year’s theme for the Jamaica Auto Show, Vaz said the theme ‘Explore. Dream. Drive.’, goes beyond being a simple slogan—it’s a call to action. 

“It challenges us to envision a future where Jamaica’s transportation is cleaner, smarter, and more advanced. It urges us to dream boldly about what’s possible when innovation, public interest, and sound policy move in sync,” he said.

The highly anticipated Jamaica Auto Show 2025 took place in Kingston between Saturday and Sunday (May 10 and 11), bringing together leading automotive brands, industry professionals, enthusiasts, and the general public for a celebration of automotive excellence and innovation.

The event showcases a wide range of vehicles, including the latest models in electric, hybrid, and fuel-efficient cars, luxury and performance vehicles, commercial, and cutting-edge auto technology. 

According to Mellissa Tulloch, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Strategy and Joint Ventures, Main Event Entertainment Group Limited—organisers of the event—this year’s inaugural show places a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and the future of mobility, while aligning with global trends in the automotive sector.

“Organised in collaboration with key stakeholders in the automotive industry, the Jamaica Auto Show serves as a dynamic platform for manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers to connect with potential buyers, display their newest offerings, and share insights into the evolving automotive landscape,” Tulloch said during a recent interview.

Title sponsors of the event, Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Charge ‘n Go, which was represented by Dionne Nugent, Director of Business Development at the official opening ceremony, announced that the first 100 persons who sign up for the Charge Lab App and RFID card with JPS will receive one month of free electric car charging with JPS.

“If you ever thought about making the switch, we believe this is your moment. The future of e-mobility is here. It’s fast, it’s clean and it’s smart, and JPS is powering it every step of the way,” Nugent said.