The territorys top cop said last week that all elements are in place to implement the compulsory automobile insurance law that takes effect Feb. 13.
Police Commissioner Franz "Buffy" Christian said the department stands ready to enforce the law.
"Im asking all motorists in the Virgin Islands to make certain that their vehicles are insured as provided for in the law," Christian said, noting officers will be making routine checks of motorists to ensure that they are in compliance with the law.
"While officers will rely on the registration sticker to prove your insurance coverage, all motorists should have an insurance certificate just in the event that an accident occurs and an officer asks to see proof of coverage," the commissioner said on a St. Croix radio talk show at weeks end.
He said that based on the law, vehicles will not be registered after Feb. 13 unless a driver can show proof of an existing insurance policy.
"The insurance companies are either providing a certificate upon the policy being effected or are urging residents to retain their receipt to prove that a policy has been paid for," Commissioner Christian said.
Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II, who is the territory's insurance commissioner, banking and insurance head Maryleen Thomas and industry representatives have been making the rounds of the local media in both districts providing detailed information on how the mandatory insurance — which has been out of existence for 15 — years is being implemented. They hope the information will clear up any misunderstandings about the law, its provisions and its importance.