The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has implemented a wheel tax amnesty for thousands of motor vehicles that were grounded during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to the government’s 2024–2025 National Budget.

By waiving accumulated wheel tax arrears, this initiative, which went into effect on August 1, 2024, will remain open until July 31, 2025, with the goal of relieving the financial strain on car owners.

Legal Notice No. 73 of the Land Transport (Fees & Penalties) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 established the amnesty, which enables car owners to put their vehicles back on the road without having to worry about unpaid wheel fees.

According to LTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa, this program demonstrates the government’s dedication to aiding citizens in their economic recovery following the pandemic.

“The wheel tax amnesty provides significant relief for vehicle owners, allowing them to resume using their vehicles without the burden of accumulated arrears,” Rokosawa stated.

For vehicles that expired between July 4, 2016, and July 31, 2023, the amnesty will address wheel tax arrears, including the Road User Levy and levies payable under the Accident Compensation Act 2017. The waiver only applies from July 4, 2016, to the inspection date during the amnesty period.

Cars that expired on or before July 3, 2016, however, will have arrears levied from the date of expiry until July 3, 2016. Arrears will also be assessed on automobiles that were registered between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024.

Vehicle owners must pay for a vehicle inspection application, renew their Motor Vehicle Accident Levy (MVAL), and pay any outstanding fines before they can take advantage of the amnesty. After completing these procedures, cars can be examined to make sure they adhere to safety regulations at an approved agency or an LTA inspection facility.

“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 stated.

It is significant to remember that the amnesty does not apply to vehicles that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) deregistered due to violations of the Land Transport Act of 1998, nor to vehicles whose registration was suspended, transferred, or canceled by court order.

Although financial relief is provided by the amnesty, Rokosawa noted that road safety is still the LTA’s top priority.

For further information on the wheel tax amnesty, vehicle owners can contact 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)