LTA ENFORCES WHEEL TAX AMNESTY FOR VEHICLES GROUNDED DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Aug 22, 2024
SUVA, Fiji (16 August 2024): In line with the Government’s 2024-2025 National Budget Announcement, the Land Transport Authority (LTA), has announced a wheel tax amnesty for thousands of motor vehicles that were grounded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This initiative, governed by Legal Notice No. 73 of the Land Transport (Fees & Penalties) (Amendment) Regulations 2024, commenced on 1 August 2024, and will run until 31 July 2025.
LTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa said the wheel tax amnesty provided a significant relief for vehicle owners, allowing them to bring their vehicles back on the road without the burden of accumulated wheel tax arrears.
He said the initiative was a testament to the Government’s commitment to supporting citizens in their economic recovery post-pandemic.
Mr Rokosawa said the waiver of wheel tax would be assessed based on the following criteria:
I. If the vehicle expired from the period 4 July 2016 to 31 July 2023, you will be eligible for waiver of wheel tax arrears, including the Road User Levy and levies payable under the Accident Compensation Act 2017.
However, clients will NOT be eligible for waiver of wheel tax under the amnesty period if:
I. Their vehicle expired prior to or on 3 July 2016, arrears will be charged from the date of expiry until 3 July 2016. However, arrears will be waived from 4 July 2016 to the inspection date within the amnesty period.
II. Their vehicle was valid between 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024, arrears will be charged.
To benefit from the initiative, Mr Rokosawa said vehicle owners must ensure that all outstanding fines are fully paid in addition to renewing their Motor Vehicle Accident Levy (MVAL) and paying for an application for vehicle inspection.
“Upon completing the above steps, vehicle owners can have their vehicles inspected at an LTA inspection center or authorized agency,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“The inspection process is designed to ascertain that all vehicles meet the necessary safety standards before they are allowed back on the roads. This initiative not only aids in economic recovery but also ensures that all operational vehicles contribute to a safer driving environment in Fiji.
“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.”
He said Vehicles de-registered by LTA for breaches made contravening the provisions of the Land Transport Act 1998, or vehicles involved in the process of vehicle suspension, transfer or cancelation of vehicle registration by way of a court order shall not be included in the amnesty.
While the amnesty provides a reprieve for vehicle owners, the Acting CEO said ensuring road safety remained a priority for the Authority.
For further clarification on the wheel tax amnesty, vehicle owners can contact:
• 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)