RRA Gives Vehicle Owners One Month to Complete ‘Mutation’ or Face Penalties

Kigali, January 27, 2026 - The Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) announced that vehicle owners who have not yet completed the transfer (‘mutation’) of their vehicles have been given one month to do so, warning that failure to comply may result in penalties, including the confiscation of vehicles. The announcement was made during a joint press conference with the Rwanda National Police, which is responsible for road safety. The campaign runs from January 26 to February 28, 2026, and aims to assist owners who acquired vehicles through purchase, inheritance, or gifts but have not transferred them to their names, as required by law within eight days of ownership change. Improved Services for Vehicle Transfers Deputy Commissioner for Taxation and Communications at RRA, Uwitonze Jean Paulin, said the agency has expanded services to facilitate transfers: In Kigali, transfers are now available in Gikondo, Canal Olympia in Rebero, and Kigali Pelé Stadium in Nyamirambo, in addition to the Masaka office. Working days have been increased from Tuesdays and Thursdays to every day except Sundays, and staff handling transfers have been increased tenfold. Provincial offices will also provide services daily except Sundays. So far, more than 16,000 people have applied for vehicle transfers: 3,000 with no obstacles will receive services immediately, while 10,000 must first resolve specific issues. Uwitonze emphasized that all applications will be processed and no applicant will be denied service. Common obstacles include: the previous owner being deceased or abroad, or unresolved tax arrears, which must be cleared before the transfer. Fees for transfers are 30,000 Rwf for motorcycles and 60,000 Rwf for cars, payable by one or both parties involved. Safety and Enforcement Concerns National Police Spokesperson ACP Rutikanga noted that untransferred vehicles complicate traffic enforcement. Vehicles may be driven by someone other than the registered owner, making it difficult to assign responsibility for violations or fines. He added that some drivers intentionally use unregistered vehicles, which may contribute to accidents and hinder police investigations, as drivers often flee the scene. The RRA and National Police urged all vehicle owners to complete the mutation process promptly to avoid penalties and improve road safety.