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House approves electronic notification system for vehicle registration renewal after surge in expired‑plate fines
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Summary
House Bill 491, to require government websites and electronic notifications reminding vehicle owners when digital registration (marbete) is about to expire, was approved unanimously by the House (51‑0). Sponsors said fines for expired marbetes have increased and the measure will help seniors and others avoid penalties.
The Puerto Rico House of Representatives approved House Bill 491 on May 12, 2025, to amend vehicle and traffic law and require an electronic notification system (email, text or in‑app notice) to alert vehicle owners that a digital registration (marbete) is near expiration. The measure passed the House 51‑0.
Representative Hernández Concepción, sponsor of the bill, told the House that enforcement data show a rise in fines for expired marbetes and said the measure will help older drivers and others who struggle to track digital registration dates. He stated: “En el 2023 cuando aún no existía marbete electrónico se emitieron 31109 multas ... al 29 de abril del 2025 ya se han metido 31903 boletos.”
Supporters from multiple delegations, including the Popular Democratic Party, praised the bill as a practical measure to reduce inadvertent violations and help older residents who have difficulty using mobile apps. Sponsors said the fiscal impact would be minimal: email and in‑app notices bear no cost and SMS messages were estimated by sponsors as under $30,000 per year.
Outcome: House Bill 491 passed 51‑0 and will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
