Motorist’s Guide To “Road Tax” In Barbados

As of July 1, 2018, The Ministry of Transport, Works, and Water Resources in Barbados abolished the traditional road tax for private vehicles and replaced it with a fuel tax. This significant change in the way Barbadians contribute to road maintenance has been aimed at making the system fairer for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore how the fuel tax works, provide essential tips for licensing and registering your vehicle, and encourage you to stay up-to-date with the latest information regarding motor vehicle taxation in Barbados.

How Fuel Tax Works

The decision to replace the road tax with a fuel tax was a fundamental shift in how road maintenance and repair costs are funded. The underlying idea behind this change was simple: the more a person drives, the more tax they should pay to support the upkeep of the roads they use.

Before the road tax was abolished, drivers who drove infrequently, sometimes as little as once a day or even less, were stuck paying hundreds of dollars annually, even though they were not using the roads that often. The updated fuel tax ensures that those who drive the most are also contributing the most to road maintenance and repair costs.

This change is not only a more equitable approach but also encourages responsible fuel consumption and eco-friendliness as it ties road tax directly to fuel usage.

Tips For Licensing and Registering Your Vehicle

Buying a car is a significant step, but before you invest in a vehicle, make sure that it will be properly insured and registered. Here are some important things you need to know when it comes to licensing and registering your vehicle in Barbados:

Age Requirements for New Vehicles: For new vehicles, the owner or applicant must be at least 17 years old.

Required Documents for Registration:

Weight certificate
Letter of sale
Insurance Cover Note or Certificate
Completed registration form ( available from the payment section at all BRA locations)
Fuel tank should be full when taking your vehicle to get weighed.

Required Documents for Agents:

A Pro Forma Invoice (issued by the seller)
Completed Motor Vehicle Tax Form (issued by the motor car firm)
Completed Registration Form No. 6
Cover Note or Certificate of Insurance
Payment of weighbridge fee:
- Vehicle is weighed and inspected.
Registration is approved once it complies with the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act Chapter 48:50 and Motor Vehicle Insurance Third Party Risk Chapter 48:51.
A registration number will be issued once the Motor Vehicle Tax and associated fees are paid.
Associated fees:
- Registration Fee – $100.00
- Motor Vehicle Tax is calculated – To be paid before registration
- Weighbridge Fee – $20.00

Required Documents for Foreign Used Vehicles:

Customs and Excise Division Official Receipt
C82 Form
Assessment Notice
Record of Payment of Motor Vehicle Tax
Bill of Lading (BL)
Commercial Invoice
CARICOM Invoice
Cancellation Certificate
English Translation
Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards Inspection Certificate
Ministry of Trade and Industry Trade Import Licence
Completed Registration Form
Driver’s Permit
Identification Card or Passport (Accompanied by Utility bill as Proof of Address)
Valid Vehicle Insurance
Fee – $120.00

For detailed information and forms, you can visit the Barbados Revenue Authority.

Stay Up-To-Date

As Barbados continues to evolve its road tax system, staying informed and following the necessary steps for registration and licensing will help you enjoy a smooth and hassle-free motoring experience.

For the latest information and tips about motor vehicle insurance in Barbados and any associated legislation, browse our past blogs or visit the Barbados Revenue Authority.