ONLY one in five government vehicles in Port Vila has passed roadworthiness inspections this year, according to data from the Public Works Department.
Roadworthiness inspector, Hilton Matamalele, confirmed that just 20 per cent of government vehicles met the required standards, highlighting a persistent compliance problem despite clear legal obligations.
Under the Road Traffic Act, all vehicles—regardless of registration type – must undergo inspection. However, requirements differ by category. Private vehicles must satisfy four conditions: a roadworthiness certificate, insurance, road tax, and a licence. Public transport vehicles must fulfil nine requirements. Government vehicles are only required to have a valid roadworthiness certificate and a licence.
Matamalele said compliance by government vehicles remained very low, with even enforcement agency vehicles—including those used by the police and the Vanuatu Mobile Force—failing inspections.
The Fleet Management Unit has confirmed that around 80 per cent of G-plate government vehicles have not been inspected. The issue has dragged on through 2024 and 2025, despite repeated circulars and inspection schedules sent to ministries.
Notices were routinely circulated from January to March and again from October to December each year to prepare for inspections, yet compliance remained poor.
Vanuatu has more than 375 government vehicles.
Source: VBTC
