The law is designed to enhance compliance with radio license payments, which have been a significant revenue source for the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC). Under the new regulations, the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) prohibits issuing vehicle licenses to individuals who have not paid for a valid ZBC radio license or obtained a waiver from the broadcaster. Furthermore, insurance companies are also barred from providing motor insurance without proof of a radio license unless the vehicle lacks a radio.
There are approximately 1.2 million registered vehicles in Zimbabwe, yet only about 800,000 are registered with their radio license fees. With the cost of a radio license set at US$23 per quarter (or US$92 annually), ZBC stands to gain as much as US$73.6 million each year from compliant drivers. If all registered vehicles made their payments, the broadcaster could collect up to US$110 million annually; however, authorities suspect many cars are no longer operational.
Exemption for those without radios. They must complete a declaration stating that their car does not contain a radio receiver. Upon verification, ZBC will provide them with an exemption certificate, enabling them to renew their licenses without incurring the radio fee.
