Police & DMV crackdown on hurricane damaged vehicles; hands tied, it’s the law
Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017 some sixty percent of all vehicles, including rentals and some heavy equipment, were damaged or destroyed.
Many motorists, because of lack of choices, have been traversing the roadways in the Territory with vehicles that cannot be insured because of missing mirrors, lights, broken back and side glasses and makeshift roofs.
Another challenge with the already damaged automobiles is the extremely poor conditions of the main and secondary roads. To this end, the Commissioner of the DMV, Mr Kye M. Rymer, has announced via the Government Information Service (GIS) that, “we continue to promote road and driver safety in the Territory. In light of this, a decision was made to suspend the issuance of new drivers’ licenses until the road conditions improve and are safe enough to conduct proper road and cone testing.”
It is unclear what this decision will do to the already struggling economy, as prospective drivers are trying to get around and be productive.
However, Mr Rymer, told GIS that his “department is serving its customers although faced with challenges created by hurricanes Irma and Maria.”
While new drivers are out in the cold, the DVM boss stated that his Department "continues to issue drivers’ licenses for persons who possess overseas drivers’ licenses. Other services include vehicle inspection and licensing, vehicle registration and transfer, driver’s license renewal, issuing license plates," according to the press statement.
Crackdown on damaged vehicles; It’s the law!
While motorists are saying that it's taking longer than they thought to order parts for their vehicles or heavy equipment, as well as to collect insurance cheques or purchase a new car or even secure a rental, and that both the police and the DMV should be understanding post hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Commissioner said, “in the area of vehicle licensing, no amendments were made to the road traffic act and the DMV will continue to perform its duties as outlined in the law.”
In other words, he cannot entertain vehicles not road worthy, as government has not given him any flexibility via the laws.
Further, Mr Rymer said, “Leniency for damaged glasses except windshields, lights and bodily damages are given. Once customers present a valid insurance certificate, the vehicle is inspected and then licensed. If inspection fails, an inspection checklist form is given, indicating the defects.” Customers are also given the opportunity to have the defects corrected for re-inspection.
Everyone out of office
The Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) could not be reached for comments as his office reported that the Minister was overseas on official business.
Police Commissioner Michael B. Mathews is also reported to be overseas on official business.
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28 Responses to “Police & DMV crackdown on hurricane damaged vehicles; hands tied, it’s the law”
It's three months now I think the grace period was long enough.