How To Get ZINARA Disc Without ZBC Radio Licence: Detailed Guide
From 15 July 2025, Zimbabwean motorists will no longer be able to obtain a ZINARA vehicle licence disc or renew their car insurance policies unless they hold a valid Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) radio licence—or can prove they don’t have a radio in their vehicle.
This new regulation stems from the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025), which came into effect in May 2025. The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) confirmed the new requirement through an internal memorandum issued by its Revenue Operations Director, P.M. Shuro.
“In line with the enacted Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, all motorists are now required to obtain a ZBC radio licence before they can renew their vehicle insurance or acquire a ZINARA motor vehicle licence disc,” reads part of the ZINARA memo dated 15 July 2025.
No ZBC Radio Licence? You Must Visit ZBC To Get An Exemption
If your car does not have a radio, you must now visit a ZBC Licensing Office in person and swear a formal declaration stating your vehicle is not fitted with a radio receiver. Only after this will ZBC issue an exemption certificate.
“Customers whose vehicles are not equipped with a radio receiver are now required to obtain an exemption certificate from the ZBC,” the memo explains.
ZINARA officials clarified that this process cannot be done online, via email, or through a proxy.
“They will need to personally visit any ZBC Licensing Office to complete the necessary declaration form and obtain this exemption. We cannot process their ZINARA disc or insurance renewal until they present a valid exemption certificate,” the ZINARA statement reads.
The exemption process involves the following steps:
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Confirm your vehicle does not have a radio.
This includes:-
Vehicles where factory-fitted radios were removed
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Older models that were never fitted with a radio
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Work or utility vehicles not designed with receivers
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Visit a Commissioner of Oaths.
You must sign a formal declaration (provided under the Eighth Schedule of the amended law) swearing that your car has no radio. This must be done in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths.Sample of declaration:
“I, [Full Name], ID Number [_______], of [Address], do hereby state that:
(1) I am the registered owner of a motor vehicle being [Make], registration number [________].
(2) I hereby state and declare that the said vehicle is not equipped with a radio receiver.
(3) I swear that the above information is true and correct.”
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Submit the signed declaration to ZBC.
After verifying the declaration, ZBC will issue an exemption certificate. -
Keep your exemption certificate safe.
You’ll need this every time you renew your licence or insurance.
No Licence, No Disc, No Insurance: ZINARA Confirms
Without either a valid ZBC radio licence or exemption certificate, motorists will be unable to get a ZINARA disc or buy insurance.
“All staff involved in the issuing of vehicle licences [must] acquaint themselves with the new requirements to effectively assist our clients from the 15th of July 2025,” Shuro’s memo instructed.
“Please guide walk-in customers through the usual steps,” it added. “We cannot proceed without the ZBC exemption certificate.”
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed the policy shift on X, posting on 28 May 2025:
“ZINARA and every motor insurance company shall only issue a motor vehicle licence and motor insurance policy respectively to individuals and companies who either hold a current radio licence issued by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) OR A VALID EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE FROM ZBC unless the vehicle to be insured is not equipped with a radio receiver.”
Social Media Backlash: “Why Are We Being Punished For Not Having Radios?”
The new requirement has angered many motorists, who argue that it introduces unnecessary costs and bureaucracy. Some called it a form of “double taxation” for people who don’t even use ZBC services.
One user wrote on X:
“Wait… I have to drive to ZBC offices just to tell them I don’t have a radio? #ZimbabweLogic”
Another said:
“I removed my car radio years ago. Now I’m being told I have to travel across town and waste fuel to get an exemption. It’s not fair.”
There were also concerns about access, especially for motorists in rural areas or with disabilities. One comment read:
“So, someone in Tsholotsho must travel to Bulawayo just to swear they don’t have a radio? Absurd!”
Another questioned the relevance of radio licences in the digital era:
“We’re in 2025. People stream everything. Who listens to ZBC on car radios anymore?? #ZBClicence”
ZBC Set To Earn Millions
At US$92 (about R1,660) per year, the ZBC radio licence is now a key revenue stream. With about 1.2 million registered vehicles in Zimbabwe—and around 800,000 reportedly still paying—ZBC could rake in over US$73.6 million (R1.3 billion) annually from compliant motorists.
If every registered vehicle complies, revenue could exceed US$110 million (R2 billion). However, this will largely depend on enforcement and whether motorists go through the trouble of securing exemption certificates.
Summary: How To Get A ZINARA Disc Without Paying The ZBC Licence
Confirm your vehicle has no radio Swear a declaration under oath Submit the form to ZBC in person Obtain an exemption certificate Renew your ZINARA disc and car insurance legally
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The post How To Legally Get ZINARA Disc Without Paying ZBC Radio Licence Fee appeared first on iHarare News.
