The Zimbabwean government has abolished the Road Access Fee, ending a charge motorists paid for nearly two decades. As a result, drivers will no longer pay the fee with immediate effect.
Transport Minister Felix Mhona confirmed the development on Monday, 27 July. He said Statutory Instrument 113 of 2026 became effective after its publication on 24 July.
The Road Access Fee first came into effect in 2009. At that time, Zimbabwe had not yet introduced a national tollgate system.
However, the introduction of ZINARA tollgates later created overlapping charges. Consequently, motorists ended up paying twice for access to the country’s roads.
Government removes overlapping road charges
According to Mhona, the decision follows instructions from President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The President directed ministries to eliminate unnecessary taxes, permits and licence fees.
The review began during the first Cabinet meeting of the year. It focused on reducing costs affecting businesses and ordinary Zimbabweans.
Mhona said:
“Since last year, Cabinet has considered and approved the review of fees charged by the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), Road Motor Transportation (RMT) and the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), with particular emphasis on removing unjustifiable, duplicative or overlapping charges,” Mhona said.
“Pursuant to this directive, the Ministry has successfully rationalised all fees charged by the above-mentioned Departments, including the removal of regulatory requirements and permit charges that duplicated functions.”
Motorists still face other road-related costs
Mhona described the decision as a major step towards improving Zimbabwe’s business environment. He added that removing duplicate charges would also ease financial pressure on road users.
He said:
“The Road Access Fee became duplicative, resulting in motorists being charged twice for the same service. This duplication imposed unnecessary financial and administrative burdens on transport operators and the travelling public,” he said.
The Road Access Fee initially targeted foreign-registered vehicles entering Zimbabwe. Drivers paid US$10 at border posts for every entry into the country.
Although the fee has been scrapped, other charges remain in place. Motorists must still pay third-party insurance, carbon tax and ZINARA toll fees when using the national road network.
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