Dar es Salaam, The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has announced a nationwide registration exercise targeting electric vehicles (EVs) currently operating without official registration plates.
Starting 16 May through 30 June 2025, owners of unregistered electric vehicles are required to voluntarily register their vehicles to obtain official registration plates and be incorporated into the national vehicle database.
This directive responds to the growing number of electric vehicles on Tanzanian roads and aims to ensure compliance with Section 8(1) of The Road Traffic Act, 1973, which prohibits the use of motor vehicles on public roads without registration.
TRA warns that failure to register by the deadline will result in enforcement actions against non-compliant vehicle owners.
The increasing adoption of electric vehicles in Tanzania aligns with global efforts to promote clean, sustainable transport and reduce carbon emissions.
However, this rapid growth has revealed regulatory challenges, particularly concerning unregistered EVs operating without license plates, which poses risks for road safety and complicates law enforcement.
The TRA’s registration initiative seeks to address these challenges by integrating all electric vehicles into the formal registration system.
This will not only help authorities track and monitor EVs on the road but also ensure that vehicles meet safety standards and owners meet their legal obligations.
The registration exercise provides a critical opportunity for EV owners to legalize their vehicles. Registered vehicles benefit from legal recognition, protection of ownership rights, and eligibility for any future government incentives or support programs aimed at encouraging green mobility.
TRA’s enforcement warning underscores the seriousness of compliance: after 30 June 2025, owners who have not registered their EVs may face penalties including fines or vehicle impoundment. This reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining orderly traffic management and road safety.
Tanzania’s move exemplifies the need to balance technological innovation with regulatory oversight. While electric vehicles represent a positive shift toward environmentally friendly transport, robust regulations are essential to prevent misuse, protect public safety, and sustain an effective road traffic system.
By ensuring all EVs are properly registered, Tanzania is taking a proactive step in adapting its transport policies to modern realities, positioning itself as a forward-thinking nation in the transition to greener transportation.
As electric vehicle usage continues to grow, ongoing collaboration between government bodies, vehicle owners, and stakeholders will be vital.
Future initiatives may include expanding incentives, enhancing EV infrastructure such as charging networks, and streamlining registration processes to encourage adoption while maintaining regulatory integrity.
For now, the registration exercise marks an important milestone in formalizing electric vehicle use in Tanzania, strengthening legal compliance, and promoting safer, greener roads for all Tanzanians.