Vehicle license fines written off
The Road Fund Administration (RFA) has written off N$371 million in interest and penalties for unpaid vehicle license fees.
RFA Chief Executive Officer Ali Ipinge announced last month that the Road Fund Administration Act has been amended, with adjustments effective in 2022 and again in 2024, allowing the cancellation of outstanding interest and penalties on fees that have been overdue for more than three years.
According to him, the reform enables RFA debt collection to place less strain on the fund and its NaTIS system, improves legal certainty and fairness in the management of vehicle license debt, and supports compliance by removing barriers created by accumulated interest and penalties.
“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 debt less than three years old, the law now also provides an amnesty opportunity, he added.
Vehicle owners may apply for a waiver of interest and penalties on such outstanding amounts.
Fee interest
While the main vehicle license fees remain payable, the interest and penalties can be written off upon successful application, Ipinge said.
He announced that interest and penalties worth more than N$245 million now qualify for such relief.
Applications for waivers will be considered by the RFA’s license fee interest and penalty waiver committee, which will make recommendations to the CEO of the fund.
The CEO’s decision must still be approved by the RFA board.
For debts exceeding one million dollars, the CEO must recommend the waiver to the minister of finance for approval, according to Ipinge.
He stressed that successful implementation of these amendments depends on strong cooperation with the Roads Authority and NaTIS.
Public awareness
To support the rollout, the RFA has launched a nationwide public awareness campaign, including radio announcements, social media engagement, and a dedicated online portal with information and frequently asked questions on the RFA website.
In addition, NaTIS offices are ready to assist vehicle owners who wish to check the status of their vehicle registration and debts, he said.
“I therefore call on every vehicle owner to seize this opportunity to update their vehicle license status and take advantage of the relief measures now available,” he urged.
The amendments also address cross-border vehicle access fees.
Exemptions can now be granted in certain situations, including cross-border military exercises approved by the minister of defence, the cross-border transport of medical staff or patients, and cases where foreign police officers require temporary access to Namibia with ministerial approval.
RFA Chief Executive Officer Ali Ipinge announced last month that the Road Fund Administration Act has been amended, with adjustments effective in 2022 and again in 2024, allowing the cancellation of outstanding interest and penalties on fees that have been overdue for more than three years.
According to him, the reform enables RFA debt collection to place less strain on the fund and its NaTIS system, improves legal certainty and fairness in the management of vehicle license debt, and supports compliance by removing barriers created by accumulated interest and penalties.
“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 debt less than three years old, the law now also provides an amnesty opportunity, he added.
Vehicle owners may apply for a waiver of interest and penalties on such outstanding amounts.
Fee interest
While the main vehicle license fees remain payable, the interest and penalties can be written off upon successful application, Ipinge said.
He announced that interest and penalties worth more than N$245 million now qualify for such relief.
Applications for waivers will be considered by the RFA’s license fee interest and penalty waiver committee, which will make recommendations to the CEO of the fund.
The CEO’s decision must still be approved by the RFA board.
For debts exceeding one million dollars, the CEO must recommend the waiver to the minister of finance for approval, according to Ipinge.
He stressed that successful implementation of these amendments depends on strong cooperation with the Roads Authority and NaTIS.
Public awareness
To support the rollout, the RFA has launched a nationwide public awareness campaign, including radio announcements, social media engagement, and a dedicated online portal with information and frequently asked questions on the RFA website.
In addition, NaTIS offices are ready to assist vehicle owners who wish to check the status of their vehicle registration and debts, he said.
“I therefore call on every vehicle owner to seize this opportunity to update their vehicle license status and take advantage of the relief measures now available,” he urged.
The amendments also address cross-border vehicle access fees.
Exemptions can now be granted in certain situations, including cross-border military exercises approved by the minister of defence, the cross-border transport of medical staff or patients, and cases where foreign police officers require temporary access to Namibia with ministerial approval.
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