Vehicle licence fines written off
The Road Fund Administration (RFA) has written off N$371 million in interest and penalties on unpaid vehicle licence fees.RFA chief executive Ali Ipinge announced last month that the RFA Act has been amended, with adjustments effective in 2022 and again in 2024, allowing for the cancellation of outstanding interest and penalties on fees overdue for more than three years.
According to him, the reform reduces the strain on the fund and its NaTIS system, improves legal certainty and fairness in the management of vehicle licence debt, and encourages compliance by removing barriers created by accumulated charges.
“This is not just a technical or administrative reform; it is also a social and economic milestone. The amendment acknowledges the financial difficulties many Namibians are going through, while at the same time ensuring that those who can pay continue to meet their obligations. It strikes a balance between compassion and responsibility, between legal certainty and fiscal prudence,” he said.
For debts less than three years old, the law now provides an amnesty opportunity. Vehicle owners may apply for a waiver of interest and penalties on such outstanding amounts.
Fee interest
While the main vehicle licence fees remain payable, the interest and penalties can be written off upon successful application, Ipinge explained. He confirmed that interest and penalties worth more than N$245 million now qualify for such relief.
Applications for waivers will be reviewed by the RFA’s Licence Fee Interest and Penalty Waiver Committee, which will make recommendations to the CEO. The CEO’s decision must then be approved by the RFA board. For debts exceeding N$1 million, the CEO must recommend the waiver to the Minister of Finance for approval.
Ipinge stressed that successful implementation of these amendments depends on strong cooperation with the Roads Authority and NaTIS.
To support the rollout, the RFA has launched a nationwide awareness campaign, including radio announcements, social media engagement and a dedicated online portal with information and FAQs on the RFA website.
In addition, NaTIS offices are on hand to assist vehicle owners who wish to check the status of their vehicle registration and debts. “I therefore call on every vehicle owner to seize this opportunity to update their vehicle licence status and take advantage of the relief measures now available,” Ipinge urged.
The amendments also address cross-border vehicle access fees. Exemptions can now be granted in specific situations, including cross-border military exercises approved by the Minister of Defence; cross-border transport of medical staff or patients; and cases where foreign police officers require temporary access to Namibia with ministerial approval.