The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has introduced a wheel tax amnesty for numerous motor vehicles that were left unused during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the government’s 2024-2025 National Budget. This initiative, which started on August 1, 2024, will remain open until July 31, 2025, aiming to alleviate financial burdens for car owners.
Legal Notice No. 73 of the Land Transport (Fees & Penalties) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 outlines the amnesty, allowing car owners to reactivate their vehicles without concern over unpaid wheel tax fees.
Irimaia Rokosawa, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of LTA, stated that this program reflects the government’s commitment to support 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 burden of accumulated arrears,” said Rokosawa.
The amnesty will address wheel tax arrears for vehicles that expired between July 4, 2016, and July 31, 2023, including fees associated with the Road User Levy and the Accident Compensation Act 2017. The waiver applies from July 4, 2016, up to the vehicle’s inspection date during the amnesty period.
However, for cars that expired on or before July 3, 2016, arrears will be charged from the date of expiry until July 3, 2016. Additionally, charges will apply to vehicles registered between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024.
Before benefiting 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 at an LTA-approved agency to ensure they meet safety standards.
“Successful inspection will result in the issuance of a Certificate of Road Worthiness (CORW) or a Certificate of Fitness (COF), enabling the vehicle to be legally driven on the road,” Rokosawa added.
It is important to note that the amnesty does not cover vehicles that the LTA has deregistered due to violations of the Land Transport Act of 1998, nor those whose registration was suspended, transferred, or canceled by court order.
While the amnesty offers financial relief, Rokosawa emphasized that road safety remains the LTA’s highest priority.
For more information about the wheel tax amnesty, vehicle owners 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)