Lizama bill seeks to allow old right-hand drive vehicles
Rep. Richard T. Lizama (D-Saipan) has introduced a bill that seeks to allow for right-hand drive vehicles that are 25 years or older to be imported and registered in the CNMI.
Lizama pointed out that most U.S. states allow for importation and registration of RHD vehicles, some with stipulations regarding use, but largely recognizing the federal allowances for such vehicles. He said Guam has many RHD vehicles and is enjoying the benefit and practicality of such vehicles for island use. The lawmaker said the CNMI falls under the same federal stipulation for federal funding regarding its traffic programs and grants as Guam, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico.
Lizama
“If these territories have experienced no losses to its funding for recognizing the federal regulations on these vehicles, it stands to reason that the CNMI would be under the same allowances,” Lizama said.
Right now, importing right-hand drive vehicles into the CMMI is prohibited unless the vehicle legally entered the Commonwealth prior to Dec 30, 1991, or if the vehicle’s primary use is for agricultural or construction.