The National Transport and Safety Authority has poured cold water on the July 1, 2026 vehicle inspection deadline by announcing that enforcement of the new mandatory inspection rules for private cars will not kick off immediately as earlier expected.
Director General Nashon Kondiwa made this announcement on Friday, saying the public will be informed of the enforcement timeline in due course even as the rollout date draws near.
Kondiwa clarified that no private company has been licensed to conduct motor vehicle inspections ahead of the much-awaited mandatory inspection programme.
The move comes amid widespread rumours that private entities were being allowed to offer vehicle inspection services, a claim that has now been firmly dismissed by the transport regulator.
The NTSA boss reiterated that all inspections will continue to be carried out at designated NTSA inspection centres across the country, putting to rest concerns that private brokers would be involved in the process.
Vehicle owners whose cars are four years old and above from the recorded date of manufacture have been directed to book inspection appointments through the NTSA service portal accessible via the eCitizen platform.
This requirement remains in force despite the delay in enforcement, meaning that compliance booking is already underway for those who wish to prepare ahead of when penalties eventually kick in.
School buses and commercial service vehicles will maintain their inspection schedule at NTSA centres, with operators and school management required to ensure that all vehicles carrying learners remain roadworthy and possess valid inspection stickers.
Enforcement officers have also been equipped with the free NTSA Mobile App to verify the authenticity of inspection stickers in the field. The authority also plans to introduce new requirements for reflectorised stop arms and telematics systems on school buses, with implementation details to be shared at a later date.
The NTSA has cautioned motorists to be wary of brokers and individuals who claim they can fast-track the inspection services or get vehicles inspected outside official NTSA centres.
The authority has made it clear that no private entity whatsoever has been authorised to conduct these inspections on behalf of the regulator. Vehicle owners are advised to use only official NTSA channels and the eCitizen portal for all inspection bookings and verification services to avoid falling victim to fraudsters exploiting the inspection rollout confusion.
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