The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has introduced a wheel tax amnesty for many motor vehicles that were inactive during the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of the government’s 2024–2025 National Budget initiative. This program, which began on August 1, 2024, will continue until July 31, 2025, aiming to ease financial burdens on vehicle owners.
The amnesty, established under Legal Notice No. 73 of the Land Transport (Fees & Penalties) (Amendment) Regulations 2024, allows car owners to reactivate their vehicles without the worry of unpaid wheel taxes. LTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting citizens’ economic recovery following the pandemic.
Rokosawa stated, “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 applies to vehicles that expired between July 4, 2016, and July 31, 2023, covering wheel tax arrears, including the Road User Levy and levies under the Accident Compensation Act 2017. The waivers apply from July 4, 2016, to the inspection date during the amnesty period.
For cars that expired on or before July 3, 2016, arrears will be calculated from their expiration date until July 3, 2016. Arrears will also apply to vehicles registered between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024.
To take part in the amnesty, vehicle owners must complete a vehicle inspection application, renew their Motor Vehicle Accident Levy (MVAL), and settle any outstanding fines. Once these steps are completed, vehicles can be examined at designated agencies or LTA inspection centers 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 apply to vehicles that LTA has previously deregistered for violations of the Land Transport Act of 1998, nor to vehicles suspended, transferred, or canceled by court order.
Despite providing financial relief, Rokosawa emphasized that road safety remains the LTA’s utmost 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)