The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has introduced a wheel tax amnesty for numerous motor vehicles that were inactive during the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of the government’s 2024-2025 National Budget initiatives.
Beginning on August 1, 2024, and running until July 31, 2025, this program is designed to ease the financial burden on car owners by forgiving unpaid wheel tax arrears.
Established under Legal Notice No. 73 of the Land Transport (Fees & Penalties) (Amendment) Regulations 2024, the amnesty allows vehicle owners to put their cars back on the road without worrying about outstanding wheel fees.
LTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa emphasized that this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting citizens as they recover economically from the pandemic.
“The wheel tax amnesty offers vital relief for vehicle owners, enabling them to use their vehicles again without the stress of accumulated debts,” Rokosawa remarked.
The amnesty applies to vehicles that had expired between July 4, 2016, and July 31, 2023, covering arrears related to wheel tax, including the Road User Levy and those under the Accident Compensation Act 2017. The waiver extends from July 4, 2016, to the inspection date within the amnesty period.
However, cars that expired on or before July 3, 2016, will incur arrears from their expiry date until July 3, 2016. Additionally, vehicles registered between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024, will also be subject to arrears assessment.
Vehicle owners are required to pay for a vehicle inspection application, renew their Motor Vehicle Accident Levy (MVAL), and clear any outstanding fines to benefit from the amnesty. Following these steps, vehicles must be inspected to ensure compliance with safety standards at an approved agency or LTA inspection facility.
“Successful inspections will result in the issuance of a Certificate of Road Worthiness (CORW) or a Certificate of Fitness (COF), allowing the vehicle to be legally driven,” Rokosawa explained.
It is important to note that the amnesty does not cover vehicles that have been deregistered by the LTA due to breaches of the Land Transport Act of 1998, nor does it apply to vehicles whose registration has been suspended, transferred, or canceled by court order.
While the amnesty offers financial relief, Rokosawa highlighted that ensuring road safety remains the LTA’s top priority.
For more details 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)