Starting Sunday, 13 May, only two-wheelers can be imported into the Maldives without prior permission from the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. All other vehicles will require pre-approval under the Sixth Amendment to the Motor Vehicle Registration Rules, the ministry announced on Wednesday.

Applications for import permission can be submitted via the ministry's portal at eportal.mta.gov.mv or collected from the ministry’s counter. Required documents include a completed application form, garage or showroom approval, and importer ID or company registration. Additional documents such as manufacturer’s certificates or export invoices may be required for new or unregistered heavy vehicles.

The amendment also enforces age limits on vehicles eligible for import and registration:

  • Motorcycles/autocycles (≤250cc)
  • Must be under 3 years oldLight vehicles (≤1 tonne)
  • Must be under 5 yearsMedium vehicles (1–4 tonnes)
  • Must be under 7 yearsHeavy vehicles (4–10 tonnes)
  • Must be under 10 yearsExtra heavy vehicles (10+ tonnes)
  • Must be under 15 years

Vehicles older than the set limits cannot be registered, except under specific conditions—such as those imported by 5 November 2024, and registered within a year of the rule's gazette publication.

Additionally, vehicles registered under these new rules will be limited to Zone B and C use only and cannot be transferred to Zone A.

These measures aim to regulate traffic growth, reduce environmental impact, and ensure road safety standards.