The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has introduced a wheel tax amnesty aimed at assisting thousands of motor vehicle owners whose vehicles were inactive during the COVID-19 pandemic. This measure was announced in conjunction with the government’s 2024–2025 National Budget and is designed to alleviate financial burdens on car owners.
Effective from August 1, 2024, and running until July 31, 2025, the program will waive accumulated wheel tax arrears, allowing vehicle owners to reactivate their vehicles without the concern of unpaid fees. The legal framework for this initiative was established under Legal Notice No. 73 of the Land Transport (Fees & Penalties) (Amendment) Regulations 2024.
Irimaia Rokosawa, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of LTA, stated that this program reflects the government’s commitment to support citizens in recovering financially after the pandemic. He emphasized that the amnesty offers meaningful relief to vehicle owners, permitting them to use their cars again free from the burden of back taxes.
The program covers vehicles that were registered from July 4, 2016, to July 31, 2023, and includes waivers for wheel tax arrears, the Road User Levy, and levies due under the Accident Compensation Act 2017. The waiver is applicable from the date of registration until the vehicle’s inspection date during the amnesty period.
Vehicles that expired on or before July 3, 2016, will incur arrears from their registration expiration until that date, while assessments will also apply to cars registered between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024.
To benefit from the amnesty, vehicle owners must apply for a vehicle inspection, renew their Motor Vehicle Accident Levy (MVAL), and settle any outstanding fines. Once these steps are completed, vehicles can undergo inspections at accredited facilities to ensure they meet safety standards.
Rokosawa noted that successful inspections would result in a Certificate of Road Worthiness (CORW) or a Certificate of Fitness (COF), allowing the vehicle to be legally operated on public roads.
It is important to note that this amnesty does not apply to vehicles that the LTA has deregistered due to violations of the Land Transport Act of 1998, or to vehicles whose registrations have been suspended, transferred, or canceled by court order.
While this initiative provides financial relief, Rokosawa reiterated that road safety remains a top priority for the LTA.
Vehicle owners seeking more information about the wheel tax amnesty 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)