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Over 300 000 unlicensed vehicles face de-registration
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More than 300,000 vehicles in Zimbabwe risk being de-registered after their owners failed to renew licenses for over two years, according to a notice in the Government Gazette.
De-registration renders a vehicle technically valueless, as the owner loses valid title to it. Re-registration would require owners to pay outstanding arrears and penalties, obtain clearance from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) to confirm the vehicle was legally imported, and secure approval from the Vehicle Theft Squad and the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID).
The notice, published yesterday, warns that vehicles exempted from licensing for over two years are also subject to de-registration. Affected owners have been given a 30-day grace period to regularize their vehicle status through the Central Vehicle Registry (CRV) or the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA).
"It is hereby notified, in terms of section 12(c) of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act [Chapter 13:14], that the Registrar of Vehicles intends to cancel the registration of vehicles not licensed and exempted for a period exceeding two years," reads the notice.
The Government has listed registration numbers of vehicles facing de-registration, with many reportedly unlicensed since 2013.
The move follows a recent police blitz against unregistered and unlicensed vehicles nationwide. Law enforcement agencies have noted that such vehicles are often used in criminal activities, including armed robberies, or operate as unregulated pirate taxis, commonly known as mushikashika, which violate road rules with impunity.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi reiterated the legal requirement for all vehicles on Zimbabwe's roads to have license plates.
"Motorists should note that cars with no permanent registration numbers cannot be licensed or insured. The Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act, Chapter 13:14, specifies that an acquired vehicle should have a change of ownership effected within two weeks and be licensed," he said.
In September 2023, more than 2,800 vehicles were impounded during a police-led operation targeting unregistered and unlicensed vehicles, pirate taxis, and drivers committing traffic violations. Authorities have emphasized the importance of compliance to improve road safety and enforce legal standards.
Stakeholders involved in the crackdown included the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, the Vehicle Inspectorate Department, the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe, ZINARA, ZIMRA, and municipal councils.
Vehicle owners are urged to act promptly to avoid de-registration, which would involve not only significant penalties but also cumbersome re-registration processes. Authorities aim to streamline vehicle management and curb lawlessness on Zimbabwe's roads, ensuring safer and more organized traffic operations.
De-registration renders a vehicle technically valueless, as the owner loses valid title to it. Re-registration would require owners to pay outstanding arrears and penalties, obtain clearance from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) to confirm the vehicle was legally imported, and secure approval from the Vehicle Theft Squad and the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID).
The notice, published yesterday, warns that vehicles exempted from licensing for over two years are also subject to de-registration. Affected owners have been given a 30-day grace period to regularize their vehicle status through the Central Vehicle Registry (CRV) or the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA).
"It is hereby notified, in terms of section 12(c) of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act [Chapter 13:14], that the Registrar of Vehicles intends to cancel the registration of vehicles not licensed and exempted for a period exceeding two years," reads the notice.
The Government has listed registration numbers of vehicles facing de-registration, with many reportedly unlicensed since 2013.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi reiterated the legal requirement for all vehicles on Zimbabwe's roads to have license plates.
"Motorists should note that cars with no permanent registration numbers cannot be licensed or insured. The Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act, Chapter 13:14, specifies that an acquired vehicle should have a change of ownership effected within two weeks and be licensed," he said.
In September 2023, more than 2,800 vehicles were impounded during a police-led operation targeting unregistered and unlicensed vehicles, pirate taxis, and drivers committing traffic violations. Authorities have emphasized the importance of compliance to improve road safety and enforce legal standards.
Stakeholders involved in the crackdown included the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, the Vehicle Inspectorate Department, the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe, ZINARA, ZIMRA, and municipal councils.
Vehicle owners are urged to act promptly to avoid de-registration, which would involve not only significant penalties but also cumbersome re-registration processes. Authorities aim to streamline vehicle management and curb lawlessness on Zimbabwe's roads, ensuring safer and more organized traffic operations.
Source - The Herald
