Zinara busts myth on 7-day grace period

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has officially put to rest one of the country's most persistent motoring myths: there is no 7-day grace period for expired vehicle licenses.

An internal memo released in October 2025 clarified that driving with an expired license - even by a single day - is an offence under the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act (Chapter 13:14) and can attract immediate action from law enforcement.

Despite this, some motorists continue to argue at roadblocks, insisting on a "grace period" that exists only in their imagination. The memo emphasizes that while there is a 30-day window to renew a license before penalty fees are imposed, this period does not protect anyone from arrest once the disc has expired.

ZINARA reminded drivers that license payments are not punitive - they are statutory obligations that fund roads and national infrastructure. The agency is aiming to license at least one million vehicles, a goal that relies on motorists understanding and complying with the law.

So, before confidently lecturing a police officer about a mythical grace period, motorists are urged to check their discs - and the facts.