Nassau, The Bahamas – Fundamental changes to the Road Traffic Act will, among others, increase revenue, discourage the use of large, private vehicles and streamline the fee structure for private vehicles from 19 to three categories, Road Traffic Controller Phillip Turner said.

 The changes were announced during a press conference on Wednesday, June 30 at the Road Traffic Department.

 “Vehicles are registered by size/length, in 19 categories,” said Mr. Turner. “The price is based on the length of the vehicle. Public buses pay a franchise fee and are licensed once in the month of May with two annual inspections in May and October.

 “As of July 1, 2010 vehicles will be licensed by the manufacturers curb weight and consists of three categories.”

 Curb weight is described as the weight of an empty vehicle with a full tank of gas, required oils, spare tire and tools and is supplied by the manufacturer.

 The categories are:

Category A – 0-5000 pounds $150

Category B – 5001-15000 pounds $550

Category C – over 15000 pounds $700

 The new fees per category including registration, inspection and decal are as follows:

Category A - $195

Category B -$595

Category C - $745

“Our records indicate that presently there are in excess of 140,000 vehicles registered throughout The Bahamas,” Mr. Turner said. “We have determined that in excess of 80% of all vehicles registered fall within Category A. For the most part all cars fall within Category A with the exception of stretch limousines and other commercial vehicles.”

 Increases in other service fees were also announced. They include the following:

Decals - $10

Inspection stickers - $35

New plates - $15

Transfer of motor vehicles from Family Islands - $15

Drivers license - $20 annually or $60 every three years

Drivers permit - $15

 The rearrangement of fee structures include:

Tour car operators - $60 per plate

Public bus franchise fee - $60 per vehicle

Privately chartered omnibus - $60 per vehicle

Privately chartered franchise - $60

Self drive vehicle - $30 per vehicle

Trade plates (O.T. plates) - $150

 Mr. Turner said Road Traffic Department staff in Eleuthera, Abaco and Grand Bahama have been updated on the new procedures.

 For further information, Mr. Turner encouraged motorists to research the internet, consult a vehicle dealer or the Road Traffic Department.