NSC directs TAJ to stop issuing blue demo license plates, cites misuse that facilitates crime and tax evasion
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The National Security Council (NSC) has directed Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) to stop issuing the current demonstration or dealer license plates, a statement from the Office of the Cabinet has revealed.
The blue demonstration plates are issued to authorised motor vehicle dealers, importers, and garage owners, allowing them to drive unregistered or newly imported vehicles on public roadways for specific commercial reasons.
However, there have been public concerns about the widespread misuse of the plates, which the police are unable to trace.
The NSC noted that demonstration plates are being unlawfully used as permission to regularly operate vehicles on public roadways without permanent registration and vehicle identification.
“This facilitates scammers and other criminals in the commission of crimes and provides an avenue to evade taxes,” the statement noted.
As a result, it said the NSC directed that the current plates be discontinued and that a new form of temporary vehicle identification be considered for the specific purposes of demonstration or dealer transit.
It recommended, too, that the new system should be electronically enabled to link the plate with the specific vehicle to which it will be temporarily assigned and that the plate should include Global Positioning System and Radio Frequency Identification technology.
“This will ensure control of the plates issued and enable the police to immediately verify the dealer to whom the identification plate was issued, the particulars of the vehicle assigned to it and the location of the plate should it be suspected of involvement in an incident,” the statement said.
It said the new system should network with TAJ, the Island Traffic Authority, the police and the Jamaica Customs Agency, allowing for easier cross-verification.
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