Distribution of the 2026 motor vehicle stickers (see related story) starts today, Wednesday. Between February 4 and 11, it concerns the P, B, Taxi, T, Z and Gar categories, followed by all others from February 12.
To facilitate this process, the Receiver’s Office will operate from 8:00am to 3:30pm throughout the month. Cash payments can be made there until 3:00pm with a maximum of three transactions per person.
To expedite matters, businesses and families with more than three vehicles are encouraged to submit a sealed envelope containing copies of their proof of payment, valid insurance and inspection cards, along with their name and contact number. Once complete, the Tax Administration will contact them to schedule a pickup at a designated date and time. This can be done by February 18.
To enhance service accessibility, seniors aged 62 and older will be assisted at Window 6. Taxpayers are also encouraged to use the General Pension Fund APS parking lot adjacent to the Government Building for added convenience when visiting the office.
The final deadline to complete payments for all stickers is February 27, and after that, police controls may be expected, usually in early March. It’s an additional annual expense, while saving for such often proves a challenge, also due to the preceding holiday season.
One complaint is that the money does not go directly to the building and upkeep of St. Maarten’s road network, but rather ends up in the general coffers of government, which does, of course, allocate funds for infrastructure projects. Plans were recently announced to ensure the collected revenues are placed into a separate Road Fund as intended by law, but it’s not clear to what extent this has been realised yet.
For now, motorists have little choice but to comply and hope streets are properly and regularly maintained. They should try to do so in time, thereby avoiding needless unpleasant experiences like a fine, having their cars towed, etc.
