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The Vehicle

Choosing a safe car (Note that most cars brought into Trinidad are from Japan and may not meet the standards suggested).  It is important why purchasing a vehicle that we understand the more safety systems included in the vehicle the less risk to persons!  Eg: seatbelts in front & back seats, airbags, ABS systems, tyres (check expiry date).  It is important to note that a number of vehicles imported in to our Country do not include all these safety systems.

Firstly, a vehicle is only as safe as the driver!  Before a driver ventures onto any roadway, they should inspect the vehicle to ensure that it is in a safe working condition.  Tyres, wind screen wipers, electrics, water, oil, gas amongst other items should be checked and double checked.  Also, the driver needs to ensure that he has fixed his mirrors and buckled up prior to starting the ignition.

Secondly, any responsible driver will ensure that the vehicle they are driving is in roadworthy condition and is safe to minimize risk on the road and ensure the vehicle can be controlled. There are some things which absolutely must be inspected to continuously monitor road worthiness.

Vehicle Inspection – What is the Law?

M.V.R.T.A 2000

  • P (Private) – Must be inspected every 2 years (vehicle more than 5 years old)
  • H (Hire) – Must be inspected annually
  • T (Truck) – Must be inspected annually
  • R (Rental) – Must be inspected annually

P inspections can be made at any MOWT authorized vehicle testing station

T, H & R can only be inspected by Licensing Officers.

Vehicles which have successfully passed the Inspection are issued windscreen stickers which also indicate the validity period e.g. Jan 2006-Jan 2008.

The correct placement area for the sticker is the front upper left corner or lower left hand corner of the vehicle’s windscreen to allow easy identification during any traffic exercise.