Gov’t Introduces Flexible Monthly Payment Scheme for Vehicle and Marine Fees

The government has introduced a new system allowing individuals to pay annual fees and fines for land vehicles and marine vessels in monthly instalments.

This initiative is made possible under newly gazetted regulations titled The Allocation of Annual Fees and Penalties Payable for Road Vehicles and Marine Vessels, issued by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. The aim is to provide more flexible payment options for annual fees, penalties for late payment, and other related fines for those struggling to pay the full amount upfront.

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To qualify for the new scheme, applicants must meet the following five conditions:

• The total amount owed must exceed USD 648.
• The payment due date must have expired.
• A request for a lenient payment plan must be made under the new regulation.
• The individual must not have previously used the payment plan option.
• The applicant must be the registered owner of the vessel or vehicle.

Applicants must pay a commitment fee to access the leniency of monthly instalments. If this fee is not paid within 14 days of the request, the application will be cancelled. Upon payment within the stipulated time, the Ministry will draft a payment agreement with the applicant.

The agreement will determine the minimum monthly amount to pay after deducting the commitment fee from the total debt. Should payments fail to adhere to the agreed schedule for 30 days, the Ministry retains the right to terminate the payment agreement.