Rwanda Cracks Down on Vehicle Emissions with Hefty Fines

The Ministry of Environment said rising PM2.5 emissions from motor vehicles are increasingly polluting the air and threatening public health.

A ministerial order issued August 25, 2025, requires inspections for a range of vehicles, including public transport, cargo trucks, training vehicles, commercial service vehicles, school buses, emergency vehicles, and petroleum-powered vehicles used in construction or agriculture. Certificates for these vehicles will be valid for six months, while other vehicles will receive one-year certificates.

“If an inspection identifies defects, the vehicle owner must correct them and return for a re-inspection before certification is granted,” the order states.

Penalties vary depending on the violation:

Failing to follow air pollution regulations: 25,000 Frw to 5 million Frw.

Conducting unauthorized polluting activities: 3 million Frw.

Ignoring directives to prevent emissions: 2 million to 5 million Frw.

Failing to report emissions, whether accidental or intentional: 1 million Frw.

Fines must be paid to the Environment and Climate Change Fund within seven days of notification, with a 0.5% daily surcharge for late payments.

Motorcycles are a major source of pollution, accounting for 47% of emissions from vehicles nationwide. To curb this, the government is encouraging a shift toward electric motorcycles.

Inspection fees vary by vehicle type. Motorcycles pay 16,638 Frw, or 8,319 Frw for a re-test after corrections. Passenger vehicles under 3.5 tons with up to eight seats pay 34,940 Frw, or 17,470 Frw for a re-test. Larger passenger and cargo vehicles face fees up to 51,578 Frw, with re-tests at half the original cost. Other commercial vehicles pay 49,914 Frw, or 24,957 Frw for a re-test.

The Ministry said the regulations aim to protect air quality and public health while maintaining consistent inspection fees.

“With the growing number of vehicles and rising air pollution, it is crucial to enforce emissions standards,” the Ministry said. “These measures will ensure cleaner air and safer conditions for all Rwandans.”