ZINARA Waives Vehicle Licence Penalties Ahead of Trade Fair Push

Harare – The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has rolled out a nationwide promotion granting motorists a 100 percent waiver on penalties for overdue vehicle licence fees, in a move aimed at boosting compliance and easing financial pressure on drivers. The limited-time offer, which runs from April 20 to May 2, 2026, coincides with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2026 (ZITF), one of the country’s largest commercial events. Authorities say the initiative is designed to encourage vehicle owners to regularise their licence payments without the burden of accumulated fines.

Under the programme, motorists can settle outstanding licence fees at ZINARA offices, authorised agents nationwide, and selected tollgates. However, the authority clarified that tollgates along the Mutare–Plumtree Highway are excluded from the promotion.

“This is an opportunity for motorists to clear their arrears and remain compliant,” ZINARA said in a statement, urging vehicle owners to act within the stipulated timeframe.

The waiver comes at a time when many Zimbabweans are grappling with rising living costs, making it difficult for some drivers to keep up with recurring vehicle licensing fees.

ZINARA has aligned the campaign with ZITF under the theme “Be One in a Million,” leveraging the event’s national visibility to reach a broader audience. Held annually in Bulawayo, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair attracts thousands of local and international exhibitors, making it a strategic platform for public awareness campaigns. A transport economist says such initiatives can improve compliance rates if properly timed. “Linking enforcement incentives to major national events increases participation and awareness, especially among informal sector motorists,” he noted.

While the waiver offers relief to motorists, ZINARA says it also serves a long-term goal of enhancing revenue collection to fund road maintenance and infrastructure development.

According to the authority, unpaid licence fees have historically contributed to funding gaps in road rehabilitation programmes. By encouraging motorists to settle arrears, ZINARA expects improved cash flow for critical projects. The organisation has previously introduced similar penalty waivers during major national events, often recording spikes in compliance during such periods.

ZINARA stressed that the waiver is strictly time-bound, with penalties set to be reinstated after May 2. Motorists who fail to take advantage of the offer risk incurring full charges once the promotion ends. As the deadline approaches, authorities are urging all vehicle owners to utilise the window to avoid future penalties and ensure legal compliance on Zimbabwe’s roads.

ZINARA penalty waiver