PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Minister of Justice Anna Richardson has taken notice of numerous complaints by residents regarding the reckless behavior of motorcycle and scooter riders on the public roads. Riders continue to be a nuisance in residential areas by blatantly disobeying lockdown measures by
racing and performing other hazardous stunts.
There have been reports by emergency personnel permitted to be on the roads of riders endangering others by riding into oncoming traffic. Most recently, complaints received by the Police Department indicate that there is a high volume of bikers on the road, not adhering to the 24-hour curfew. Patrols are constantly being called out from their regular duties of serving and protecting St. Maarten citizens during this state of emergency due to this recklessness.
The Minister of Justice would like to reiterate that these acts are a blatant act of disrespect of the law and thus, has prompted the decision to enforce the following National Ordinances:
Article 4, Paragraph 3 of the Landsverordening tot het heffen van een belasting op motorrijtuigen, Article 2 & Article 11 lid 1 of the Landsverordening aansprakelijkheidsverzekering motorrijtuigen, and Article 2 Landsverordening regelende de keuring van motorrijtuigen.
As such, effective immediately, all bikers who are unable to show first and foremost a waiver/disaster pass to be on the public roads during these times, a license to operate a motorcycle/scooter regulated in (Article 88 Rijbewijzen als bedoeld in article 87 lid 2 & article 88 lid 1 sub a of the Wegensverkeerverordening), proof of ownership, insurance and paid road tax will lose access to the motorcycle/scooter.
The motorcycle/scooter vehicle will remain confiscated until proof of the above mentioned documents are provided and a fine is paid. The Minister would like to make note that while these sorts of controls were being done in the past, effective as of April 7th, 2020, the Police Force of Sint Maarten has been instructed to make this an active and continuous practice to control any and all bikers.
Any motorcycle and/or scooter riders who are permitted to be on the road for essential delivery purposes must wear a helmet as stipulated in the National Ordinance Article 59 A Wegenverkeersverordening.
All unpermitted riders are advised to cease and completely refrain from riding on the public roads without the proper documents that are required by law. Failure to comply will result in the bike being confiscated by the authorities, fines and/or arrest.
