The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is advising ‘G’ licensed plate vehicle owners to desist from installing seats in their vehicles, citing the act as unscrupulous and a breach of the law.

The GRA, according to the Government Information Agency (GINA), noted that the general public should take note that the Licences Revenue Office in Georgetown and all regional offices of the agency countrywide will be the only centres authorised to monitor and inspect all motor vehicles imported in ‘G’ or the goods category. The Guyana Police Force will not be carrying out these functions, since it has revenue implications, GINA stated.

According to the GRA, for several years motor vehicle owners importing vehicles for the purpose of transporting goods have been installing seats in the ‘G’ licensed plated vehicles. The GRA is reminding persons that all vehicles must meet the basic requirements before they can be registered for the purpose of transporting goods.

Among the requirements are: that the vehicle is required to have seats fitted at its front only for the driver and two porters, the right and left sides of the vehicle must be completely sealed with metal and not glass, seats must not be fitted in the rear of vehicles, the registration must indicate the approved number of passengers (three), the name and address of the registered owner and the unladen weight of the vehicles must be painted on the right side door of the vehicle while the applicant must have a registered business to justify the use of a goods transportation vehicle.
According to the GRA, persons should be reminded that before a registration of a vehicle can be changed for the purpose of carrying goods, approval must be granted by the Commissioner-General.