Prosecution calls for timely fine payments

People on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba who have been fined by the police for traffic violations, not paying motor vehicle tax or driving uninsured are urged to avoid a hearing in court by paying up. In a press release, the Public Prosecutor’s office for the Caribbean Netherlands explained that the persons involved must pay the amount on the ticket (summons) given by the police or transaction proposal submitted by the prosecution at the local Tax Office in a timely fashion. “Timely means at least seven days before the hearing date. Thereafter, payments will not be accepted anymore by the Tax Office and your case will then be submitted automatically to the judge, who generally imposes a higher penalty.” The fines imposed by the judge are collected both at the border (by the Royal Marechaussee) and elsewhere on the islands (during so-called fine-inning actions). As of July 1, 2013, the transaction amount for not paying the motor vehicle tax (on time) has increased from US $85 to US $150. Experience shows that, given the level of the fine, defaulters were simply risking getting a ticket. So, by increasing the amount, the Public Prosecutor’s Office wants to reduce the number of violations. As of September 1, 2013, the police will check on the timely payment of tax due (stickers) for the second half of the year.

Source: “The Daily Herald” 3013-07-03