Every motor vehicle on Zambian roads must be licensed annually, and road tax is the main fee you pay for that licence. The amount depends on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight (GVW) and is calculated using a fee unit system set by RTSA under Statutory Instrument No. 25 of 2024.
This guide explains how the system works, walks through a real example, and shows you the quarterly payment options. You can also use our road tax calculator to look up the exact fee for any vehicle instantly.
What is road tax?
Road tax - officially called a vehicle licence fee - is an annual charge levied under the Roads and Road Traffic Act (Cap. 464). It is administered by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and must be paid before a vehicle can legally operate on public roads. The licence disc you receive must be displayed conspicuously on the vehicle at all times.
Road tax is separate from vehicle registration (a once-off process) and from third-party insurance. All three are required but are different charges.
How road tax is calculated
The formula is straightforward:
Annual Road Tax = Fee Units x Fee Unit Value (K0.40)Each vehicle category has a set number of fee units prescribed by RTSA. The fee unit value is currently K0.40, set by Statutory Instrument No. 25 of 2024 (up from K0.30 previously). When the government wants to adjust road tax, it changes the fee unit value rather than rewriting the entire fee schedule - this makes across-the-board increases simple.
Weight bands for private vehicles
Private cars and light vehicles are classified by gross vehicle weight (GVW) - the maximum weight the vehicle is designed to carry, including passengers and cargo. This is printed on the vehicle's registration card and typically stamped on a plate in the door jamb or engine bay.
Weight Band | Fee Units | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
Up to 800 kg | 1,100 | K440 |
801 - 1,000 kg | 1,283.37 | K514 |
1,001 - 1,200 kg | 1,466.63 | K587 |
1,201 - 1,400 kg | 1,650 | K660 |
1,401 - 1,600 kg | 1,833.37 | K734 |
1,601 - 2,000 kg | 2,016.63 | K807 |
2,001 - 4,000 kg | 2,292.63 | K918 |
4,001 - 6,000 kg | 2,566.63 | K1,027 |
Most popular cars in Zambia fall in the 1,401-1,600 kg band (Honda Fit, Subaru Impreza) or the 2,001-4,000 kg band (RAV4, HiLux, Prado, HiAce). These pay K734 and K918 per year respectively.
Worked example: Honda Fit
Let us calculate road tax for a Honda Fit - one of the most popular cars on Zambian roads.
Step 1: Find the GVW
A Honda Fit has a gross vehicle weight of approximately 1,500-1,600 kg depending on the generation and trim. The current model (GR series) has a GVM of 1,550 kg, while older models (GE/GK series common as Japanese imports) fall in the same range. This places it in the 1,401 - 1,600 kg band.
Step 2: Look up the fee units
The 1,401 - 1,600 kg band has 1,833.37 fee units.
Step 3: Calculate
Annual Road Tax = 1,833.37 x K0.40
Annual Road Tax = K734 (rounded up)Result: A Honda Fit pays K734 per year in road tax. If you prefer to pay quarterly, one quarter costs K184 (25% of the annual fee, rounded up).
Quarterly payment options
You do not have to pay the full annual fee at once. RTSA allows quarterly payments with no surcharge:
Period | Percentage | Honda Fit Example |
|---|---|---|
1 quarter (3 months) | 25% | K184 |
2 quarters (6 months) | 50% | K367 |
3 quarters (9 months) | 75% | K551 |
Full year (12 months) | 100% | K734 |
Historically, quarterly payments attracted a surcharge (30% for half-year, 55% for quarterly). This surcharge has been removed - you now pay a proportional amount with no penalty for splitting payments.
How to find your vehicle's GVW
If you do not know your vehicle's gross vehicle weight, check these places:
Vehicle registration card (blue book): The GVW is listed on the vehicle details page
Door jamb sticker: Most vehicles have a plate or sticker on the driver's door jamb showing the GVW (sometimes labelled GVWR or GVM)
Engine bay plate: Older vehicles may have it stamped on a metal plate in the engine compartment
Manufacturer specifications: Search your vehicle's make, model, and year online for the factory GVW specification
Where to pay road tax
Road tax can be paid at:
RTSA service centres: Visit any RTSA office across Zambia. Bring your vehicle registration card (blue book) and your NRC or passport. Payment is processed on the spot.
Online via Zamportal: Pay from anywhere through Zamportal. Links to each vehicle-related payment service can be found on the RTSA pay online page. You will need your vehicle registration number and personal details. The licence disc is posted to you or can be collected at an RTSA office.
Online payment is particularly convenient for renewals. First-time registrations still require an in-person visit for the vehicle fitness inspection.
12-month rolling licence cycle
Since the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2022, vehicle licences run for 12 months from the date of first registration - not from January to December as before. This means your renewal date is based on when you first registered the vehicle, not a fixed calendar year.
For the complete fee table covering all vehicle types including trucks and special categories, see our full road tax rate table. For information about penalties and exemptions, see road tax penalties and how to pay.
Frequently asked questions
Is road tax the same as vehicle registration?
No. Vehicle registration is a once-off process when a vehicle first enters the Zambian system - you receive a registration number (number plates) and a registration card (blue book). Road tax is an annual licence fee that must be renewed every 12 months. Both are required, but they are separate charges administered by RTSA.
Can I pay road tax online?
Yes. You can pay online through Zamportal at zamportal.gov.zm. Links to each vehicle-related payment service can be found on the RTSA pay online page at rtsa.org.zm/pay-online. You need your vehicle registration number and personal details. The licence disc can be posted to you or collected at any RTSA office. Online payment is available for renewals - first-time registrations require an in-person visit.
What happens if I do not pay road tax?
Operating a vehicle with an expired licence is an offence under the Road Traffic Act. You can be fined up to three times the annual tax amount, and the vehicle can be impounded. Additionally, the 2022 Amendment Act blocks you from renewing your licence if you have any outstanding traffic offences. If a vehicle remains unlicensed for 5 consecutive years, RTSA can cancel its registration entirely.
Do I pay extra for quarterly payments?
No. Quarterly payments are calculated as a straight percentage of the annual fee (25% per quarter) with no surcharge. Historically there was a surcharge for split payments, but this has been removed. You can pay for 1, 2, 3, or 4 quarters at a time.