I'm moving to the island for a few months next year and plan on buying a cheap car/truck for when I'm there. I looked into extended rentals but none of the rental companies give any significant price break.

After I buy the vehicle, do I have to register it? Is insurance mandatory on the island? How strict are the police in enforcing the laws? What are the penalties for violation?

Thanks

Cars don't usually have pink slips (log books in the UK) but make sure that you get a receipt from the owner.

License plates are transferable so your vehicle may or may not come with one.

The first job is to get insurance. I used Fatum and found them to be reasonable and reliable. You will need to supply the VIN number and engine number. The insurance office will ring through to the office that supplies road duty and licence plates. If necessary you will have to go there to collect them.

If you have to buy a new sticker for the licence plate, once it is stuck down, criss cross it with a craft knife. That will prevent someone peeling it off and stealing it.

The only problem that you might come across is that some insurers are reluctant to offer insurance to non-residents. Also, after a period of time (I think three months) you will be required to have a Bonairian drivers licence.

The Police have occasional purges on motor vehicles and will fine you if your paperwork is out of order or you have defective lights etc. You must carry your insurance documents and drivers licence with you at all times.

If you decide to by a scooter instead, please be aware that technically, you require a motorcycle licence to ride one. You will find it impossible to insure a scooter without producing a motorcycle licence.

Antony.....

You don't have to be a resident to own and insure a car here. All the insurance companies are the same as for rates. I would suggest you go through the insurance dept. at Maduro Bank since the have an American lady who works there and can help you to understand the forms, etc.

you can buy insurance for a 6 month period and get your plates for 6 months as well. that might be an option if you don't plan on staying too long.

Michael.

I heard many stories where insurance companies were reluctant to insure medical students for whatever reason.

Yes..but since insurance is mandatory, they eventually get insured. Also, it is an age consideration as most want them to be over 23