San Pedro Golf Cart and Vehicle Import Moratorium Remains in Effect

San Pedro’s ongoing moratorium on new golf cart rentals and vehicle imports remains firmly in place as island authorities continue efforts to ease traffic congestion and improve traffic management on Ambergris Caye.  Area Representative for Belize Rural South, Andre Perez, confirmed this week that the restrictions introduced in late 2024 are still being enforced in an effort to maintain better traffic control on the island, which has seen a steady increase in vehicles over the years due to rapid tourism and commercial growth.

Andre Perez, BRS Area Representative: “At this point in time we have made a huge dent. At the very beginning of the year, the traffic was incredible. Very, very much so with the trucks. So we have done a lot of work with the trucks no longer coming through the island. We have put a moratorium on golf cart rentals that has put a stop completely on it. Strictly observing replacement of golf carts in terms of the golf cart rentals. We have worked out along with them, with the taxis as well. That is something that we’re not giving any more taxis. We’re not issuing any more. So that in itself, what you’re seeing right now has been contained. It’s normal for us, it’s the normal traffic now. – “

Reporter: With private ownership as well? 
Andre Perez, BRS Area Representative:  “Yes with private ownership. Right now we’re giving is more consideration to people live up north. They are the ones who are getting but certainly people are living in town we are having a strict not to issue anymore if you live in town. We consider a lot now, the committee considers, the committee considers your residency as well and as well as how you’re parking, where you’re going to park, because that has been an issue. But the most, I think the biggest one that we need to look at are the golf cart rentals. And very soon looking at legislation as well which we’re working to increase the fees especially for golf cart rentals. Applying application fees is just basically the same as anyone who’s applying for a private golf cart. So legislation is being looked at to pass and that it’s business. You have a golf cart rental, that you’re doing it for business and it’s traffic. So we’re looking at that. But we’re doing, holistically as it relates to the traffic laws are doing the changes to implement it and be fair and equitable.”

Under the moratorium, the Trade License Board stopped accepting applications for new golf cart rental businesses and dealerships, while the Traffic Control Committee suspended permits for importing new rental carts, taxis, and larger vehicles onto the island.  The Ambergris Caye Traffic Control Committee has reported that dozens of vehicles were impounded after being brought onto the island without the necessary permits. Owners faced fines of up to twenty-five hundred dollars per vehicle, with authorities warning that approval to return those vehicles to the island is not guaranteed.