The Roads Authority (RA) has warned foreign transport operators against carrying passengers or goods within Namibia without the required permits, saying such actions are illegal and punishable by law.
RA Chief Executive Officer Mbahupu Tjivikua said foreign-registered vehicles are not allowed to operate on local routes unless they have been granted a valid cross-border permit.
“Any foreign carrier operating within Namibia without the necessary permit is acting in violation of the law. These rules are in place to protect local transport operators and to ensure safety and fairness in the transport sector,” he said.
The warning is based on Section 70(3) of the Roads Traffic and Transport Act of 1999. The Act defines cabotage as the transport of passengers or goods between two points within Namibia by a foreign-registered vehicle.
Tjivikua said the Roads Authority has, in recent years, observed cases of foreign vehicles operating illegally, especially along major roads, border towns and regional transport routes.
“Although we do not have new figures to release at this stage, enforcement operations have previously resulted in fines and the impoundment of vehicles found to be operating illegally,” Tjivikua said. According to the Act, offenders face a fine of N$4 000 for a first offence and N$6 000 for a second offence. A third offence may result in arrest. Vehicles may also be impounded under Section 107 of the Act.
“A foreign carrier is any operator using a vehicle registered outside Namibia. Transport operators must make sure they obtain the correct permits before conducting any domestic transport.”
He said compliance with the law supports local businesses and promotes orderly transport operations.
“We urge all transport operators to respect the law,” he said. “Compliance promotes fair competition and helps maintain safety on our roads.”
The Roads Authority said it will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to monitor and enforce the Roads Traffic and Transport Act across all regions.
