Heavy vehicles weighing 9 tonnes or more will face new access requirements in Windhoek from September, with camera-based enforcement and fines starting on 1 October 2026.
Truck operators travelling through Windhoek are being warned to get their paperwork in order as the City of Windhoek introduces a new Heavy Vehicle Access and Permit System.
The system takes effect on 1 September 2026, with a one-month transition period before enforcement and fines begin on 1 October.
The new system is aimed at regulating the movement of heavy vehicles on Windhoek’s urban road network, with the City citing road deterioration, rising maintenance costs, congestion, road-safety concerns, noise, emissions and illegal truck parking among the reasons for the move.
The City says the Windhoek Bypass Road now provides an appropriate alternative for transit freight.
As a result, heavy vehicles simply passing through the city without a delivery, collection or other legitimate business requirement will be expected to use the bypass.
Trucks that need to travel beyond designated routes in Windhoek will have to obtain the appropriate permit.
Heavy vehicles can still access industrial areas using approved routes, but operators must remain on the designated routes and comply with the applicable conditions.
Enforcement starts 1 October
From 1 October, the City will introduce camera-based and spot-fine enforcement.
Traffic law-enforcement cameras positioned at strategic entry and exit points will monitor heavy vehicle movements and permit compliance, while City Police will also conduct roadside checks.
The City is urging operators to use September to identify vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 9 tonnes or more and establish whether they require permits.
What will permits cost?
For the 2026/27 financial year, the permit application fee is N$600 per permit, with the monthly permit charge determined by the vehicle’s GVM.
| Vehicle GVM | Monthly permit |
|---|---|
| 9t to less than 15t | N$120 |
| 15t to less than 24t | N$250 |
| 24t to less than 32t | N$350 |
| More than 32t | N$500 |
The application fee is non-refundable. Once an application is approved, the applicable monthly fee must be paid before the permit disc is issued.
A valid permit must be carried by the approved vehicle and be available for inspection when operating in a restricted area.
Emergency response vehicles may qualify for an exemption, while any other exemption or special authorisation must be approved by the City in writing.
Freight operators with questions or needing permit application forms can contact Mary Shiimi, Section Engineer: Transport Planning, on 061 290 2364 or +264 81 128 2414, or email [email protected] during office hours.
For truckers running into Windhoek, the message is simple: September is the time to get compliant. From 1 October, the cameras and traffic officers start watching.
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