2016 plates to arrive by Jan. 26, but payments can be made now

PHILIPSBURG–The 2016 number plates are expected to arrive in St. Maarten between January 19 and 26. However, motorists in the country could have started paying their 2016 motor vehicle tax and for their plates as of Monday, January 4.

Once the plates arrive, special arrangements such as additional opening times will be put in place for those who have already paid, to collect their plates.

Receiver Minerva Gumbs told The Daily Herald the office would not be accepting personal cheques as a form of payment anymore, as many issues previously had been encountered with this form of payment. Cash and Maestro debit cards will continue to be accepted as forms of payment.

The deadline to pay motor vehicle tax as stipulated by law is February 28. Gumbs said this deadline would remain in effect.

Proof of valid insurance and a valid inspection card are needed for payments of motor vehicle tax to be processed.

A total of 30,737 pairs of the new aqua-green plates have been ordered for this year. A total of 1,000 of the plates ordered are for bikes.

The plates have an aerial shot of St. Maarten in the background and bear the words “The Friendly Island” at the top and “St. Maarten” at the bottom.
The draft legislation submitted to Parliament to increase the annual motor vehicle tax by 18.18 per cent per category has been put on hold. Therefore, the fees for the motor vehicle tax remain the same.

The prices of the number plates are NAf. 12.50 for all types of four-wheel vehicles and NAf. 7.50 for motorbikes.

Motorists with number plates M, P, SXM, MR (Ministers) and PAR (Parliament) will pay NAf. 275 motor vehicle tax for gasoline-engine vehicles and NAf. 750 for those operating on diesel fuel.

Motorists with R plates will pay NAf. 300 tax for gasoline-engine vehicles and NAf. 750 for diesel-engine vehicles. Taxis, BUS, G (group), T (tour buses with 35 passengers or less) pay NAf. 275 for gasoline-operated vehicles and NAf. 550 for diesel fuel-operated vehicles.

Vehicles with V and Z plates that exceed 3,500kg will pay NAf. 1,250 tax for gasoline- or diesel fuel-operated vehicles. Vehicles with V plates that weigh less than 3,500kg will pay NAf. 275 for gasoline-operated vehicles and NAf. 750 for diesel fuel-operated vehicles.

Persons with MF (motorbike) plates will pay NAf. 200 and those with MF (mopeds) will pay NAf. 50 in motor vehicle tax.