The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has introduced an amnesty for wheel tax aimed at thousands of motor vehicles that were sidelined during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the government’s National Budget for 2024–2025.
This initiative, which began on August 1, 2024, will be in effect until July 31, 2025, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on vehicle owners by waiving accumulated wheel tax arrears.
The amnesty was established through Legal Notice No. 73 of the Land Transport (Fees & Penalties) (Amendment) Regulations 2024, allowing car owners to return their vehicles to the road without worrying about unpaid wheel fees.
Irimaia Rokosawa, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the LTA, stated that this program reflects the government’s commitment to supporting citizens in their economic recovery post-pandemic. “The wheel tax amnesty provides significant relief for vehicle owners, allowing them to resume using their vehicles without the weight of accrued arrears,” he expressed.
The amnesty covers wheel tax arrears for vehicles that expired between July 4, 2016, and July 31, 2023, which includes the Road User Levy and levies under the Accident Compensation Act 2017. However, the waiver is applicable only from July 4, 2016, up to the inspection date during the amnesty period.
For vehicles that expired on or before July 3, 2016, arrears will be calculated from their expiry date until July 3, 2016. Additionally, those that were registered between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024, will also incur arrears.
To utilize the amnesty, vehicle owners must first pay for a vehicle inspection application, renew their Motor Vehicle Accident Levy (MVAL), and settle any outstanding fines. Once these steps are completed, vehicles must be inspected at an authorized agency or LTA inspection facility to ensure compliance with safety standards.
“Successful inspection will lead to the issuance of a Certificate of Road Worthiness (CORW) or a Certificate of Fitness (COF), which will permit the vehicle to be legally operated on the road,” added Rokosawa.
It is important to note that the amnesty does not cover vehicles that have been deregistered by the LTA due to violations of the Land Transport Act of 1998, nor those whose registration was suspended, transferred, or canceled by court order.
Rokosawa emphasized that, while the amnesty provides financial relief, road safety remains the primary concern for the LTA.
Vehicle owners seeking more information about the wheel tax amnesty can reach out to the following LTA officials:
– Acting Regional Manager Central Eastern – Mr. Mosese Foalo (9905478)
– Acting Regional Manager West – Mr. Kolinio Levaci Sr (9331353)
– Acting Regional Manager North – Mr. Sevuloni Waituruturu (9983732)
– Manager Customer Service – Ms. Kavita Shah (9904605)