Temporary licences and international certificates

(1) When a motor vehicle or a trailer drawn by a motor vehicle is brought into Belize temporarily for the purpose of being used by a person during a visit to Belize, and such person does not hold an international certificate issued in accordance with an International Convention, the Department may issue a temporary licence in respect of such motor vehicle or trailer without requiring it to be registered under this Act, and such temporary licence shall be issued for a period not exceeding three months from the date of issue, on the payment of such fee and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed. (2) When a motor vehicle or a trailer drawn by a motor vehicle is brought into Belize as mentioned in sub-section (1), by a person who holds an international certificate in respect of the motor vehicle or trailer issued elsewhere than in Belize in accordance with an International Convention, such person shall, while such certificate remains valid, be exempt from any requirement to register the motor vehicle or trailer under Part II, but subject to such conditions and exemptions from licence fees under this Act as may be prescribed. (3) No motor vehicle or trailer in respect of which an international certificate or temporary licence has been issued shall be used in Belize for hire or trade purposes, except under Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic [CAP. 230 33 special licence from the Department and subject to such conditions as may be attached to the licence. (4) Where a person in Belize desires to use a motor vehicle, or trailer drawn by such motor vehicle, in any country outside of Belize which shall have adhered to any International Convention, he shall apply to the Department in the prescribed manner for such international certificates as may be required in respect of such motor vehicle or trailer. (5) The Department is hereby authorised, on payment of the prescribed fee, and subject to such other conditions as may from time to time be prescribed, to issue such international certificates as aforesaid in accordance with any International Convention. Before any international certificate is issued by the Department, the applicant shall satisfy the Department that the motor vehicle and trailer comply with the requirements of the International Convention, and for such purpose the Department may require an Inspector to examine the motor vehicle and trailer and report thereon to the Department. (6) The Department shall keep a record of all international certificates and temporary licences issued under this section, and of all motor vehicles or trailers being used in Belize under the authority of an international certificate or temporary licence. (7) In this section the expression “international certificate” shall include travelling passes, driving licences, fiscal licences and other documents as may be issued in accordance with an International Convention.