As you probably know, in Panama all cars must have insurance in order to get the vehicle inspected, registered, and to obtain license plates. I bet the people in this video are happy they have insurance. At least in Panama we don't have to worry about snow and ice.
"The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted a unique crash test to demonstrate the advances in motor vehicle safety over the last 50 years. In this test, a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu and a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air are both going 40 mph and the vehicles collide offset, driver side to driver side.
Ten autos that will sap your wallet — and 10 that won’t:
Here is a very comprehensive article that helps answer a frequent question I hear from clients moving to Panama:
Embrace Life: The most effective PSA ad that I have ever seen!
Want to see your driving history? Do you have outstanding parking tickets? Check out: Click on “istrucciones de uso” to see what info must be entered in each field!
Below is the law/article that regulates foreigners using a
drivers license other than Panamanian. It says that you may drive on your home
country license for 90 days....no extensions!
Below is the article/law that speaks of allowing vehicles to circulate
with a license plate from another country.
You may drive the vehicle for 90 days, but must obtain a special permit from ATTT.
Here is an article with many valuable resources posted to the LivinginCentralAmerica yahoo group:
Driving any type of vehicle to Central America?
Rainy season over, 'Snowbird' time is here.
Traveling soon to Central America?
Here is current information sent to me by a client about the procedures for an Expat to obtain a drivers license:
As a foreigner, you can drive in Panama legally for up to 90 days with a foreign drivers license. Stay longer than 90 days and you need to have a Panama drivers license. Follow the Procedure below. Expect all of this to take 2 days.
Documents Needed: