WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao authorities will begin stricter vehicle inspections starting July 1, with police instructed to immediately confiscate counterfeit or unauthorized license plates, according to an official directive from the Receiver's Office (Ontvanger).
The acting head of the Receiver's Office has sent a formal letter to the Curaçao Police Force (KPC), requesting increased enforcement against vehicles displaying imitation or falsified license plates.
Under the directive, police officers are to conduct more rigorous inspections of vehicles and pay special attention to license plates that were not officially issued by the Receiver's Office.
The letter states that the Receiver's Office has received reports indicating that some motorists are using imitation and falsified license plates.
"I request that additional attention be given to vehicles driving with license plates that were not issued by the Receiver's Office," the acting head wrote. "The Receiver's Office has received reports of several cases involving the use of imitation and/or falsified license plates. I emphasize that producing, using or driving with such license plates is not permitted."
Authorities warned that any counterfeit license plates discovered during inspections will be confiscated immediately, and motorists found using them could face legal consequences.
According to the Receiver's Office, fake license plates can be used to evade vehicle tax payments, avoid traffic fines or conceal the identity of vehicles involved in criminal activities.
The enhanced enforcement campaign coincides with the start of broader vehicle compliance inspections, during which police will also verify that motorists have paid their annual vehicle tax and, where applicable, have collected and installed their newly issued official license plates.
The Receiver's Office is urging all vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles display original license plates issued by the government before the stricter inspections begin on July 1.