How much does road tax cost in Zambia?

Road tax in Zambia is based on the manufacturer's permitted gross vehicle weight. As of Statutory Instrument No. 25 of 2024, annual fees range from K74 for motorcycles to K5,500 for vehicles exceeding 20,000 kg. A typical sedan (801-1,200 kg) pays K514 to K587 per year.

Can you pay Zambia road tax in quarterly instalments?

Yes. The RTSA allows vehicle owners to pay road tax quarterly. The cost is proportional: 25% of the annual fee for one quarter, 50% for two quarters, 75% for three quarters, and 100% for the full year. There is no penalty or surcharge for quarterly payment.

Where can you pay road tax in Zambia?

Road tax in Zambia can be paid at any RTSA service centre across the country or through the RTSA online portal at www.rtsa.org.zm. Vehicle owners need their registration book and previous licence disc to process the payment.

What is a fee unit for Zambia road tax?

A fee unit is a standard monetary measure used by the Road Transport and Safety Agency to calculate all prescribed fees. As of Statutory Instrument No. 25 of 2024 (effective 20 May 2024), one fee unit equals K0.40. Road tax and all other RTSA fees are expressed in fee units, then multiplied by this value to determine the amount payable in Kwacha.

What are the penalties for driving without road tax in Zambia?

Under Section 83 of the Road Traffic Act (Cap. 464), operating a motor vehicle without a valid licence is an offence punishable by a fine of up to treble (3x) the annual road tax for that vehicle class. Additionally, any road traffic inspector or police officer may impound the vehicle on the spot until a valid licence is obtained.

Can you get a road tax refund in Zambia?

Under Section 95(3) of the Road Traffic Act, surrendering a vehicle licence (other than a quarterly licence) entitles the holder to a refund of one-twelfth of the annual tax for each complete month of the unexpired period, minus a deduction of 75 penalty units.

Which vehicles are exempt from road tax in Zambia?

Under Section 109 of the Road Traffic Act (Cap. 464), exemptions from vehicle licensing include government and presidential vehicles, bicycles, vehicles held solely for sale under a motor dealer licence, and visitor vehicles temporarily brought into Zambia. Farm vehicles may qualify for a reduced special farm vehicle licence under Section 106.

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Road Tax Calculator

Calculate your annual RTSA vehicle licence fee based on vehicle weight.

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Vehicle Type / Gross Weight Category

Payment Period

Road Tax Payable

K 660

Breakdown Full Year (12 months)

Vehicle Category

1,200-1,400 kg

Fee Units

1,650.0

Full Year (12 months)

K 660

Per Statutory Instrument No. 25 of 2024, effective 20 May 2024. Fees based on manufacturer's permitted gross vehicle weight.

How It Works

Annual Road Tax by Vehicle Weight (SI No. 25 of 2024)

Vehicle Category	Annual Fee
Motorcycle	K 74
Up to 800 kg - Alto, small kei cars	K 440
800-1,000 kg - Vitz, Demio	K 514
1,000-1,200 kg - IST, older Corolla	K 587
1,200-1,400 kg - Allion, Mazda Axela	K 660
1,400-1,600 kg - Honda Fit, Impreza	K 734
1,600-2,000 kg - Camry, Mark X, Mazda 3	K 807
2,000-4,000 kg - RAV4, HiLux, Ranger, Prado, HiAce, Alphard	K 918
4,000-6,000 kg - Land Cruiser (200/300), light trucks	K 1,027
6,000-9,000 kg - Medium trucks	K 1,174
9,000-12,000 kg	K 1,320
12,000-15,000 kg	K 1,467
15,000-17,000 kg	K 1,834
17,000-20,000 kg	K 2,384
Above 20,000 kg	K 5,500

Key Facts - Road Tax in Zambia

Fee Unit Value

Per Statutory Instrument No. 25 of 2024

K 0.40

Effective Date

Current fee schedule effective from this date

20 May 2024

Administered By

Road Transport and Safety Agency under the Road Traffic Act

RTSA

Penalty for No Licence

Section 83, Road Traffic Act - vehicle may also be impounded

Up to 3x annual fee

Licence Cycle

From date of first registration per 2022 Amendment Act

12-month rolling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is road tax in Zambia?

Road tax is an annual vehicle licence fee charged by RTSA (Road Transport and Safety Agency) under the Road Traffic Act. Every motor vehicle used on public roads must have a valid road tax licence.

How much is road tax in Zambia?

Road tax depends on the vehicle's gross weight. For a typical sedan or hatchback (801-1,200 kg), the annual fee is K514 to K587. Motorcycles pay K74 per year. Heavy vehicles over 20,000 kg pay K5,500.

Can I pay road tax quarterly?

Yes. RTSA allows quarterly payments. You pay 25% for one quarter, 50% for two quarters, 75% for three quarters, or 100% for the full year. Paying quarterly costs the same total as paying annually.

Where do I pay road tax in Zambia?

Road tax can be paid at any RTSA service centre nationwide, or through the RTSA online portal. You will need your vehicle registration details and the previous licence disc.

What is a fee unit?

A fee unit is a standard monetary measure used by RTSA to set fees. The current value is K0.40 per fee unit, set by Statutory Instrument No. 25 of 2024. All RTSA fees are expressed in fee units and multiplied by this value.

What happens if I drive without a valid road tax licence?

Driving without a valid road tax licence is an offence under the Road Traffic Act. You can be fined up to triple the annual tax for your vehicle, and your vehicle can be impounded by RTSA or the Zambia Police on the spot.

Can I get a refund if I surrender my road tax licence early?

Yes. If you surrender a non-quarterly licence early, you can get a refund of 1/12th of the annual fee for each full month remaining, minus a 75 penalty unit deduction (K30).

Which vehicles are exempt from road tax?

Government and presidential vehicles, bicycles, vehicles held by dealers for sale only, and visitor vehicles temporarily in Zambia are exempt from road tax under the Road Traffic Act.

Learn

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How to Calculate Road Tax in Zambia (2026 RTSA Fees)

Step-by-step guide to calculating road tax in Zambia using RTSA fee units, weight bands, and quarterly payment options - with a worked example for a typical SUV.

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Road Tax in Zambia in 2026 - Rates, How to Pay and What Happens If You Don't

Everything you need to know about paying road tax in Zambia - RTSA rates, online payment options, quarterly payments, penalties for non-payment, and exemptions.

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Zambia Road Tax Rates by Vehicle Type - Complete Fee Table (2026)

Full RTSA road tax fee table for every vehicle category in Zambia - motorcycles, private cars, SUVs, trucks, and special categories with quarterly breakdowns.

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Sources

RTSA

Revised Road User Fees - Statutory Instrument No. 25 of 2024

Official RTSA fee schedule effective 20 May 2024, prescribed under the Road Traffic Act.

Parliament of Zambia

Roads and Road Traffic Act (Cap. 464)

Principal Act governing vehicle licensing, penalties, exemptions, and payment periods.

Parliament of Zambia

Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2022 (No. 8 of 2022)

Introduces 12-month rolling licence cycle from date of first registration and blocks licensing with outstanding offences.

Zamcalc results are estimates only. Figures are based on publicly sourced rates from official Zambian authorities (ZRA, NAPSA, NHIMA, ZESCO, ERB, HELSB, BoZ and others) and are updated when laws or tariffs change. They should not be treated as professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Always verify with your employer, the relevant authority, or a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Zamcalc is not liable for any action taken based on these results.