KINGSTON, Jamaica — Motorists can now expect email renewal reminders for their digital certificates of fitness, following new enhancements introduced by the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) to its electronic motor vehicle fitness system.

With the new addition, motorists will now benefit from a built-in email renewal reminder feature, which allows motor vehicle owners to easily track their certificate status, including the expiration date of their fitness certificate and the number of days remaining before expiration.

Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at the ITA, Dontae Matthews, explained that the improvements are designed to help motorists better manage their renewal timelines and avoid unintentional breaches of the Road Traffic Act.

“While the digital fitness certificate clearly displays the expiration date, many motorists were accustomed to keeping a physical copy in their vehicle as a reminder. With the transition to electronic certificates and fewer people carrying printed copies, it is easy for some to lose track of when their fitness certificate will expire. This is especially so given that some certificates are now valid for three and five years. The introduction of email reminders will help to ensure that motorists are alerted as the expiration date approaches and can take timely action to renew,” he said.

The ITA is also reminding the public that motor vehicle fitness certificates can be renewed up to 90 days before the expiration date, allowing for greater convenience and flexibility.

Additionally, there is no grace period after a fitness certificate expires, and operating a motor vehicle with an expired certificate constitutes an offence under the Road Traffic Act.

Customers visiting ITA service hubs to renew their certificate of fitness are encouraged to take a printout of the digital certificate to facilitate a smooth process for the verification of motor vehicular particulars.