New Jeep creeps past size limit

The Hon. Shawn Crockwell J.P., M.P., Minister of Tourism Development and Transport today advised that the Transport Control Department (TCD) is working with a local vehicle importer to resolve an issue concerning oversize private cars that have been imported into Bermuda and licensed for use on public roads.

The model in question is the 2014 Jeep Compass, of which approximately 30 vehicles were imported, and at 176 inches long, slightly exceeds the statutory limit of 175 inches and slightly wider than the statutory limit of 71 inches at 71 7/16 inches.

The Jeep Compass 2014 model arrived with a bumper fascia that is different than the 2011/12/13 models. There was no indication from the manufacturer that the 2014 model would be longer.

Minister Crockwell said: “Some of the vehicle owners have raised concerns that they may face enforcement action against their vehicles which are larger than currently permitted on Bermuda roads. However, I can assure these owners that we are working with the importer to rectify the situation.”

Minister Crockwell explained that it has been standard practice at TCD that dealers submit brochures for the current models of a vehicle that was previously imported. The last brochure received for this vehicle was in 2011.   

The Minister added: “Although typically the specifications were the same for models previously imported, we have learned from this experience, subsequent models can now differ enough from prior year models that they no longer comply with Bermuda’s licensing requirements. This practice of allowing previously approved vehicles to be imported will now cease and every application for vehicle importation will be assessed based on the particular model.”