The purpose of the operation was to address non compliance by vehicle owners and drivers in relation to those legislations governing motor vehicles. The operation saw a staggering 333 vehicles being detained at the hands of those who failed to meet their respective tax obligations, even though a 3 month grace period had been issued by the government after the devastating Tropical Cyclone PAM.
The main aim of this exercise was to ensure all vehicle owners and drivers had the following valid licenses/permits/documents in their possession:
- 2015 Road tax sticker;
- Vehicle Registration book;
- Driving license;
- Driver’s Public vehicle Permit;
- Public vehicle permit (bus, taxi, public transport);
- Tourism permits for tourism-related businesses;
- Business license (if the vehicle is used for business purposes);
- And other related requirements as enforced by Police and PVM council.
Vehicles detained were only returned once all related outstanding payments in the form of on the spot fines/taxes/license/permit fees were made.
During this operation, it was apparent that most public transport operators are still not well aware of the related tax/license requirements, mainly the requirement for all public transport operators to have a tourism permit and business license. This follows the amendment to the Business License Act in 2014 that requires all tourism-related businesses to obtain a tourism permit issued by the Tourism Department that also came into effect in January 2015.
This operation has shown that while some make the effort to meet tax obligations, there’s still a large number who tend to wait until the last minute or wait to get caught before renewing respective licenses/taxes. Rather than risk being caught or penalized, DCIR would like to advise all motor vehicle owners and drivers to voluntarily come forward and sort out any of the above taxes and fees if they have not yet done so.
In addition DCIR would like to make it clear that Road tax renewals now carry a 50% penalty and Business license renewals or installments carry its’ 10% penalty for every month is goes unpaid from the due date.
For more information please contact the Rates and Taxes Office by phone: 00678 24969 (Port Vila), 00678 36386 (Santo), 00678 66784 (Lenakel) or visit us at our Office in Carnot Street, Port Vila or at Millennium Building in Luganville or Commercial Center Building in Lenakel.
