The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced a wheel tax amnesty aimed at supporting thousands of motor vehicle owners affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative, which commenced on August 1, 2024, and will run until July 31, 2025, seeks to alleviate the financial burden on car owners by canceling accumulated wheel tax arrears.
The amnesty was established under Legal Notice No. 73 of the Land Transport (Fees & Penalties) (Amendment) Regulations 2024, allowing vehicle owners to reactivate their vehicles without the stress of unpaid wheel taxes. LTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa emphasized that the program reflects the government’s commitment to assisting citizens in their post-pandemic economic recovery.
Rokosawa remarked, “The wheel tax amnesty provides significant relief for vehicle owners, allowing them to resume using their vehicles without the burden of accumulated arrears.”
The amnesty will cover 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 only applicable for the period from July 4, 2016, to the inspection date within the amnesty window.
For cars that expired on or before July 3, 2016, arrears will be calculated from the date of expiry until that date. Additionally, arrears will apply to vehicles registered between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024.
To benefit from the amnesty, vehicle owners need to pay for a vehicle inspection application, renew their Motor Vehicle Accident Levy (MVAL), and settle any outstanding fines. After completing these steps, vehicles can be inspected by an authorized agency or at an LTA facility to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Rokosawa stated, “Successful inspection will lead to the issuance of a Certificate of Road Worthiness (CORW) or a Certificate of Fitness (COF), which will allow the vehicle to be legally operated on the road.”
It is important to note that the amnesty does not extend to vehicles that have been deregistered by the LTA due to breaches of the Land Transport Act of 1998 or to those whose registration has been suspended, transferred, or canceled by court order.
While the amnesty offers financial relief, Rokosawa reiterated that maintaining road safety remains the LTA’s top priority.
For more information regarding the wheel tax amnesty, vehicle owners can reach out to the following LTA representatives:
– 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)