The Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier confirmed that the inspection exercise of private vehicles would start this March 2018. Private vehicles are expected to undergo inspection to ascertain their road worthiness.

Mr. Hamad Masauni, deputy minister of Home Affairs, said that every Tanzanian motorist was required to present their vehicle(s) for inspection. The exercise is being carried out at various police stations and other designated areas within the country. Vehicles that pass the test by meeting the required standards are issued with a sticker that proofs that they have undertaken the examination. These vehicles will, therefore, be allowed to operate on the public roads.

The country is also inspecting imported second-hand vehicles which are usually from the Japan market. This exercise was mandated by the Tanzania Bureau of Standard (TBS). The bureau is in charge of conducting “Road use eligibility inspection” of all second-hand cars entering Tanzania through the various ports. This test is aimed at minimizing the risks of unsafe and sub-standard imported cars in the country. The inspection will promote safety, health and environmental protection.

Every imported used car is supposed to have passed a safety inspection and machine equipment check in Japan. Upon arrival at the Tanzania port, the used cars are supposed to come with official certificates showing that they have undergone the necessary inspection in Japan. Imported cars that have not been inspected or not completed the inspection exercise in Japan will attract a penalty and will be required to be inspected at the Tanzanian port.

Inspection of used export cars in Japan is charged at ¥17, 740 per vehicle. However, the charge is a flat rate for all used cars regardless of model and size.