Thousands of Cubans who have kept motorcycles and scooters operational by assembling them with parts from various vehicles now have a fresh opportunity to legalize these modes of transport. The Ministry of Transport (Mitrans) has sanctioned an extraordinary procedure that enables these vehicles to be officially registered, provided they meet technical requirements and their parts' legal origins can be verified.
This initiative is outlined in Resolution 47/2026, published in the Extraordinary Official Gazette No. 83, and is part of a broader array of automotive sector reforms introduced by the Cuban government. The regulation specifically targets individuals owning mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles, quadricycles, sidecars, trailers, and semi-trailers assembled from parts not previously included in other homologation processes.
Eligibility Criteria for the New Process
Not everyone with a homemade vehicle can partake in this process. Only individuals who own these specific types of vehicles and were excluded from past calls can apply. This is significant because the government conducted a similar process in 2024, which was touted as the "second and final census" for legalizing vehicles assembled from various parts, with a strict stance against permitting new constructions of such vehicles.
Starting with Digital Registration
The procedure begins with online registration on a platform provided by the Ministry of Transport. Should the owner be abroad or face health issues, a legal representative is allowed to complete the process on their behalf. The registration will remain open for 60 calendar days from the resolution's effective date. After this period, the platform will not accept new applications but will still offer updates on application status.
Essential Registration Information
To register, detailed information about both the owner and the vehicle must be provided, including:
- Identity number
- Birth registration book and page
- Acquisition location of the engine and frame
- Type and model
- Main and secondary colors
- Engine and frame numbers, if available
- Fuel type
- Side photograph of the vehicle
- Contact phone numbers
- Email address (if available)
- Permanent residence address
Once the form is correctly completed, the system will automatically generate a case number to accompany the applicant throughout the process.
One Vehicle Per Owner Rule
There is a critical restriction: each owner or their legal representative can only register one moped, motorcycle, tricycle, or quadricycle. Additionally, they may register one sidecar, trailer, or semi-trailer.
The Crucial Technical Inspection Phase
After the registration period concludes, the Automotive Technical Review (RTA) phase will commence, organized by provincial Transport authorities in collaboration with the Automotive Technical Review Company and the Ministry of the Interior.
Owners must present their vehicles in excellent technical and operational condition, fully equipped, and with verifiable legal origins for the primary parts used in their construction.
The Homologation Commission will categorize each vehicle as:
- Eligible, if it meets the technical criteria and proves the legal origin of its components.
- Ineligible, if it has safety deficiencies or cannot justify the part origins.
Those deemed ineligible will be given a second chance. However, failing the evaluation again will permanently disqualify the vehicle from being homologated and it will not be allowed on public roads.
Finalizing Legalization
When a vehicle is declared eligible, the Commission will issue a Technical Opinion. With this document, the owner has 90 calendar days to formally register the vehicle with the Vehicle Registry. During this process, they can drive the vehicle with the Automotive Technical Review certificate on hand.
According to the resolution, once a vehicle is homologated, the owner must annually update the technical review certificate to continue legally using it.
A New Opportunity Amid Transportation Challenges
This new procedure is introduced as many Cubans have turned to assembling motorcycles and other vehicles from salvaged parts due to the chronic shortage of cars, spare parts, and public transportation. In 2024, the government initiated a similar process to regularize these vehicles, aiming to organize a vehicle fleet largely built by the ingenuity of citizens coping with decades of transportation crises.
FAQs on Legalizing Custom-Built Vehicles in Cuba
What types of vehicles can be legalized under the new resolution?
The resolution allows for the legalization of mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles, quadricycles, sidecars, trailers, and semi-trailers assembled from parts not included in previous homologation processes.
How long is the registration period open for vehicle owners?
The registration period is open for 60 calendar days from the effective date of the resolution, after which new applications will not be accepted.
What happens if a vehicle fails the technical inspection?
If a vehicle is deemed ineligible, the owner has a second chance to meet the requirements. Failure to pass on the second attempt results in permanent disqualification from being homologated.