In a decisive move to address escalating traffic congestion and parking shortages in Malé and other urban centers, the Maldives Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has introduced stringent amendments to its motor vehicle import regulations. These changes, effective immediately, mandate that importers of land vehicles—excluding two-wheelers—must secure a verified garage permit before bringing vehicles into the country.
Mandatory Garage Verification
Under the revised regulations, applicants seeking to import four-wheeled vehicles are now required to submit:
- A copy of the permit for the garage, showroom, or warehouse designated for vehicle storage.
- The importer’s national identification card.
- The company’s registration certificate.
For heavy vehicles, additional documentation is necessary, including the manufacturer’s certificate or invoice, export certificate, and, for used de-registered vehicles, the relevant de-registration certificate.
The designated storage facility must be an authorized garage, with its capacity and legitimacy confirmed by a party appointed by the Ministry.
Age Restrictions on Imported Vehicles
The amendments also introduce specific age limits for imported vehicles to ensure road safety and environmental compliance:
- Motorcycles and auto cycles with engine capacities of 250cc or less must be no more than three years old from the date of manufacture.
- Cars, vans, base land rovers, and other land vehicles used for transportation, as well as land vehicles with a carrying capacity of less than one ton, must not exceed five years from the year of manufacture.
- Land vehicles with a carrying capacity of one to less than four tons must be no older than seven years from the date of manufacture.
- Land vehicles with a carrying capacity of 10 tons or more must not exceed 15 years from the year of manufacture.
While these age restrictions are firmly in place, the Ministry retains discretionary authority to grant exceptions under specific circumstances, as outlined in Annex 6 of the regulation.
Addressing Systemic Issues
These regulatory changes are part of a broader initiative to overhaul the nation’s transportation infrastructure. The government has acknowledged issues such as the rampant issuance of garage letters for vehicle registration and the unauthorized use of parking spaces, particularly in the congested capital region. To combat these challenges, authorities are implementing thorough verification processes to confirm the authenticity of garage permits and ensure compliance with the new regulations.
Implementation and Compliance
The Ministry has announced a 90-day transitional period to allow importers and stakeholders to adapt to the new requirements. During this period, the Ministry will conduct inspections to verify the authenticity of garage permits and the availability of adequate storage space for imported vehicles.
Public Response and Future Outlook
The public has expressed mixed reactions to the new regulations. While some view the measures as necessary steps toward reducing congestion and improving urban planning, others are concerned about the potential impact on vehicle import businesses and the availability of affordable transportation options.
The Ministry has indicated that it will monitor the implementation of these regulations closely and make adjustments as needed to balance the goals of urban development, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
For more information on the new vehicle import regulations and application procedures, please visit the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation’s official website.
