The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has introduced a wheel tax amnesty aimed at supporting thousands of motor vehicle owners whose vehicles were immobilized due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative is part of the government’s 2024–2025 National Budget strategy and commenced on August 1, 2024, running until July 31, 2025. The focus is to alleviate the financial burden on car owners by waiving any outstanding wheel tax arrears.
This amnesty was established under Legal Notice No. 73 of the Land Transport (Fees & Penalties) (Amendment) Regulations 2024, allowing car owners to return their vehicles to the road without the concern of unpaid wheel taxes. Irimaia Rokosawa, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of LTA, emphasized that the program reflects the government’s commitment to helping citizens recover economically after the pandemic.
Rokosawa stated, “The wheel tax amnesty provides significant relief for vehicle owners, enabling them to use their vehicles again without the weight of previous dues.” The amnesty applies to vehicles that expired between July 4, 2016, and July 31, 2023, addressing all associated wheel tax debts, including the Road User Levy and those related to the Accident Compensation Act 2017. The waiver covers dues from July 4, 2016, to the date of inspection within the amnesty period.
However, vehicles that lapsed registration on or before July 3, 2016, will incur arrears from the expiry date until July 3, 2016. This will also apply to cars registered between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024. To benefit from the amnesty, vehicle owners must pay for a vehicle inspection application and renew their Motor Vehicle Accident Levy (MVAL), as well as clear any outstanding fines. Following these steps, vehicles can undergo inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards at an authorized agency or LTA inspection facility.
Upon successful inspection, vehicle owners will receive a Certificate of Road Worthiness (CORW) or a Certificate of Fitness (COF), which will authorize legal road use of their vehicles. It is important to note that the amnesty does not apply to vehicles that have been deregistered by the LTA for breaches of the Land Transport Act of 1998, nor to those whose registration has been suspended, transferred, or canceled via court order.
Rokosawa noted that even while providing financial relief, the LTA continues to prioritize road safety. For more details about the wheel tax amnesty, vehicle owners can reach out to LTA officials, including Mr. Mosese Foalo (Acting Regional Manager Central Eastern), Mr. Kolinio Levaci Sr (Acting Regional Manager West), Mr. Sevuloni Waituruturu (Acting Regional Manager North), and Ms. Kavita Shah (Manager Customer Service).