The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has introduced a wheel tax amnesty for numerous motor vehicles that were not in use during the COVID-19 pandemic, as outlined in the government’s 2024–2025 National Budget. This initiative, which became effective on August 1, 2024, will run until July 31, 2025, aiming to ease the financial burden on car owners.
Established by the Legal Notice No. 73 of the Land Transport (Fees & Penalties) (Amendment) Regulations 2024, the amnesty allows car owners to reactivate their vehicles without the concern of unpaid wheel taxes.
LTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa stated that this program reflects the government’s commitment to supporting its citizens’ economic recovery post-pandemic. “The wheel tax amnesty provides significant relief for vehicle owners, allowing them to resume using their vehicles without the burden of accumulated arrears,” Rokosawa remarked.
This amnesty addresses wheel tax arrears for vehicles that expired between July 4, 2016, and July 31, 2023, encompassing the Road User Levy and fees related to the Accident Compensation Act of 2017. The waiver applies from July 4, 2016, up until the vehicle’s inspection date during the amnesty period.
However, vehicles that expired on or before July 3, 2016, will incur arrears from the expiration date until July 3, 2016. Additionally, arrears will be applied to vehicles registered between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024.
To benefit from the amnesty, vehicle owners must submit an application for vehicle inspection, renew their Motor Vehicle Accident Levy (MVAL), and settle any outstanding fines. Once these steps are completed, vehicles can be inspected for compliance with safety regulations at an approved facility or LTA inspection center.
“Successful inspection will result in the issuance of a Certificate of Road Worthiness (CORW) or a Certificate of Fitness (COF), which authorizes the vehicle to be legally driven on the road,” Rokosawa added.
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, nor to those whose registration has been suspended, transferred, or canceled by court order.
While the amnesty offers financial relief, Rokosawa emphasized that maintaining road safety remains the LTA’s top priority.
For additional 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)