Owners of vehicles will no longer have to queue for arrival numbers at mechanical inspection centres to have their automobiles inspected for their roadworthness as the Traffic and Road Safety department has shifted from manual to online booking.

Under the new system, booking will be done through the online platform, Irembo, and through mobile banking services, according to the traffic spokesperson.

"We have completely migrated to online booking. This is an effective and efficient system, where a vehicle owner can choose any centre of their choice at their convinience,” CIP Kabanda said. Guide to online booking

Whether booking through Irembo or Mobile (*909#), the user is required to select applicant type (Individual or company).

For an individual, you select the type of visit (first or second); fill in the car plate number; select driver’s licence type (local/foreign); fill in the driver’s licence number; select the inspection centre of your choice, appointment date; choose the notification mode (SMS or email); and proceed to payment procedures.

For companies, you fill in the code provided by Rwanda National Police, company name and address, type of visit, plate numbers, type of driver’s licence, inspection centre, select appointment date and choose the notification mode.

"Under the new arrangement, applicants have a choice to pay using a credit card, mobile financial services or in the bank. Upon payment, the applicant receives a confirmation message through preferred notification mode – email or SMS as confirmation of a successful applicant,” said CIP Kabanda.

"The same online booking system also has options for those with duplicate of Motor vehicle inspection certificate, either as an individual or company as well as deposit features for companies.”

"This hi-tech registration and booking system will reduce queues in banks; it’s less time consuming and easily accessible. This is part of the Rwanda National Police’s ongoing reforms to ensure service excellence at all levels.

Vehicle inspection is mandated by the presidential decree No. 85/01 of September 2, 2002 and is designed to help prevent accidents that arise out of mechanical faults.

Currently, the available three inspection centres; Remera, Gishari in Rwamagana, and the mobile lane, have capacity to inspect up to 800 vehicles daily.

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