Bolivia debates bill to legalize undocumented vehicles amid political split

Deputy Reinaldo Zeas (also reported as Reinaldo Seas) introduced a draft law to regularize more than one million undocumented vehicles in Bolivia, arguing that the measure would improve road safety, allow owners to obtain mandatory accident insurance (SOAT) and provide legal certainty for families that purchased the cars out of necessity.

Former president and Libre party leader Jorge Tuto Quiroga dismissed the proposal, saying it would amount to legalising stolen or smuggled cars and undermine the rule of law. Quiroga pledged that Libre’s parliamentary group will vote against the bill, warning that a blanket amnesty would encourage further illegal imports and hurt formal importers.

Supporters of the bill have sought backing from the ministries of Economy and Government, while critics within the automotive sector and the Bolivian Motor Chamber have voiced concerns about incentivising contraband. The debate reflects a broader controversy over how to address a large informal vehicle fleet that currently circulates without tax contributions.