The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has introduced a new requirement for importing four-wheel vehicles into the Maldives, mandating proof of available parking space before a permit can be issued. The change comes under the Sixth Amendment to the Road Motor Vehicle Registration Rules, and applies to all vehicles except two-wheelers.
Under the amended regulation, importers must now submit a letter confirming the availability of a garage, showroom, or warehouse where the vehicle will be stored. This requirement is in addition to existing documentation such as the importer’s national ID, company registration, manufacturer’s certificate or invoice, export certificate for heavy vehicles, and deregistration certificates for used vehicles.
An inspection by a designated official from the Ministry will verify whether the declared garage has adequate space for the vehicle. Import permits will only be issued if both the garage space is confirmed and the vehicle meets registration eligibility requirements based on its age and category.
The amendment also sets new limits on the maximum allowable age for registering vehicles:
- Used motorcycles and auto-cycles under 250cc are no longer eligible for registration
- Motorcycles and auto-cycles over three years from their date of manufacture cannot be registered
- Cars, vans, and base Land Rovers with a carrying capacity of up to one tonne must be under five years old
- Vehicles with a capacity between one and four tonnes must be under seven years old
- Heavy vehicles exceeding 10 tonnes must be under 15 years old
Despite these restrictions, the Ministry retains discretion to issue permits for eligible vehicles in accordance with the criteria outlined under Annex 6 of the regulation.
The move is aimed at addressing parking space constraints and managing the growing number of vehicles in urban centres, particularly in the Malé region, where congestion and lack of parking remain pressing concerns.
