Legal Document

Motor vehicle owners who plan to export their vehicle must notify the registering authority, which will update the vehicle's records and acknowledge the notification.

A person cannot operate a left-hand drive vehicle registered after 1 January 2003 on a public road, unless it is imported or exported for testing, assessment, or development with a special permit.

Liability for registering a motor vehicle in Namibia arises when the vehicle arrives in Namibia or is cleared by customs, if imported after a date set by the Minister.

You must apply to register a motor vehicle within 21 days after the liability date using the approved form. For a new vehicle, the application must include a certificate from the manufacturer or importer with details such as the chassis number, engine number, make, model, and other specific information.

When registering a motor vehicle from outside Namibia, you need proof of customs compliance, the vehicle's registration documents from its home country, and a police clearance or SARPCCO certificate.

From a specified date, manufacturers, builders, or importers must register and record details of their motor vehicles within seven days and update ownership changes until a registration certificate is issued, but they are not responsible for registration fees.

If a partner dies or leaves a partnership, or a new partner joins, or a person inherits a business with a motor trade number, the number remains valid for its original term, and the new owner is considered the holder of that number.

If the Minister believes a motor trade number holder has violated regulations while running their business, they can cancel the trade number.

An application under section 21(1) must be submitted on the approved form and include acceptable identification, the appropriate fees, a customs activity number for motor vehicle importers, and any additional documents required by the Minister.

hen the Minister receives an application, they must ensure it is complete, have the inspectorate evaluate the applicant's compliance, and get a police report on the applicant. If satisfied, the Minister will register the applicant with or without additional conditions; otherwise, the Minister will notify the applicant that they are not registered.

The Minister can require that motor vehicle manufacturers, builders, or importers notify the inspectorate of their activities, obtain and hold a model number, and may also require police clearance and a roadworthy certificate for registration.

If a manufacturer, builder, or importer fails to meet registration conditions, the inspectorate will recommend suspension or cancellation to the Minister. The Minister will notify them and allow them to submit comments before making a final decision, and if registration is canceled, the affected party must return their certificate within 14 days.

To register as a number plate manufacturer, an application must be submitted to the Minister, who will review it, require evaluations and reports from the inspectorate and Namibian Police, and then determine suitability, with ongoing evaluations for registered manufacturers and importers.

Manufacturers, builders, or importers must get approval for any motor vehicle design or modification, obtain a letter of authority, and secure a roadworthy certificate from the Namibian Police before registering the vehicle.

The inspectorate evaluates and monitors manufacturers, builders, importers, and number plate manufacturers to ensure compliance with regulations, and makes recommendations to the Minister about registration and standards. They can inspect, test, and enter premises without notice, and advise or recommend changes to registration based on compliance.

Registered manufacturers, builders, importers, and number plate manufacturers must pay an annual fee, while those not required to register must pay per vehicle design or modification, and the inspectorate must report fees and costs to the Permanent Secretary annually by June 1st.

Registered manufacturers, builders, importers, or number plate manufacturers must notify the Minister of any changes to their details within 21 days, and the Minister will then update the relevant register.

The Minister must notify and consider any representations from manufacturers, builders, importers, or number plate manufacturers about changes to their registration conditions and then issue a new registration certificate reflecting these changes.

A registering authority cannot issue a license disc for certain motor vehicles not properly registered or imported by unregistered parties.

A yellow retro-reflector on a vehicle must be vertical and face sideways, but a vehicle manufactured, built, or imported by a registered party may have a red one instead toward the rear.

A person cannot drive a vehicle on public roads if its wheelbase exceeds nine meters for semi-trailers, 15 meters for bus-trains, or eight-and-a-half meters for other vehicles, unless it has the required certification from the inspectorate of manufacturers, builders, importers, and number plate manufacturers.

The Minister will maintain a register of manufacturers, builders, importers, and inspectors, and each manufacturer, builder, or importer must record all motor vehicles they produce or import.

If a person or institution is found guilty, the presiding officer must recommend deregistration and may impose a fine up to N$ 24,000, but importers and similar entities cannot be both deregistered and fined.