Cuban drivers have registered more than 67,600 custom-built vehicles since June 24, when the latest process of homologation for these types of transport began. Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, Minister of Transport, detailed that by August 12, just days before the census ended, 67,675 vehicles had been registered, of which 44,664 are motorcycles.
"We registered 1,723 cars, 493 trucks, 7,649 mopeds, 2,997 trailers, and 6,050 tricycles," the minister stated on his Facebook page.
"The provinces with the highest number of registered vehicles are: Camagüey, Artemisa, Holguín, Pinar del Río, and Havana," he added.
The registration of these custom-built vehicles on the website set up for this purpose is the first step towards the definitive legalization of these vehicles, assembled by citizens from parts and pieces. This initiative has provided relief for many families amid a widespread public transport crisis that the regime is unable to resolve.
The deadline for individual citizens to access the census on the platform www.vap.transnet.cu is August 22. After this date, the platform will only be available for users to consult their files.
This is the second census aimed at the homologation (legalization) of vehicles that, for various reasons, did not get registered in the initial process—those deemed unfit due to solvable technical issues or those not accepted initially, provided they have resolved the cited issues.
New Provisions in the Registration Process
A new aspect of the process allows vehicle owners who are abroad or otherwise unable to be physically present to appoint a legal representative. Additionally, it is now permissible to present a motor vehicle with its trailer or semi-trailer during the census.
In December, the Ministry of Transport announced an extension of the homologation period for these custom-built vehicles, which had come into effect in September 2021 through Resolution 200. Although the homologation process was initially set to conclude on December 31, 2023, it has been extended until the legalization and issuance of plates for all vehicles processed by the provinces.
In March 2022, it was reported that Cuba would incorporate over 100,000 custom-built or transformed vehicles into the national fleet. "This will impact traffic flow and road safety, increasing congestion and the vulnerability of these vehicles," noted Reinaldo Becerra Acosta, Secretary of the National Commission for Road Safety.
FAQs on Custom-Built Vehicle Registration in Cuba
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the registration and legalization process for custom-built vehicles in Cuba, providing important insights and clarifications.
What is the deadline for registering custom-built vehicles in Cuba?
The deadline for individual citizens to register custom-built vehicles on the platform www.vap.transnet.cu is August 22.
Can someone else register my vehicle if I am abroad?
Yes, the process allows vehicle owners who are abroad or unable to be physically present to appoint a legal representative to register their vehicle.
What types of vehicles are included in the registration?
The registration includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, trailers, and tricycles.
What impact will the increase in custom-built vehicles have on road safety?
The increase in custom-built vehicles is expected to affect traffic flow and road safety, leading to more congestion and higher vulnerability of these vehicles.