The public has welcomed the May 22 announcement by Rwanda National Police that it will be sending out timely reminders to help car owners do their vehicle’s technical inspections on time.
This initiative is part of RNP’s ongoing effort to ensure smooth service delivery and convenience for all drivers.
The technical inspection notice will be sent out to vehicle owners five days before the motors vehicle inspections certificate is set to expire.
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ACP Boniface Rutikanga, the RNP spokesperson, noted that the intention is to reduce driver inconvenience because most of them only learn about it after it has expired.
"It was about time we implemented this idea; the Rwandan National Police wants the service to be more convenient and transparent through the use of technology; a period of five days is ample time for vehicle owners to schedule their slot for technical and mechanical inspections,” Rutikanga added.
Some vehicle owners spoke with The New Times, sharing their thoughts on the announcement. Olenka Rusagara, who mostly rents out her cars, said that sometimes she would forget to clear inspections, but now that Rwanda National Police will remind her ahead of time, "it is a good initiative.”
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Grace Uwacu, who was fined by the police last September since her inspections had expired, was "happy about the latest announcement.”
"This is actually very good. I was fined Rwf25,000 at some point last year and it was a genuine fine. I think five days are enough because the process to get new inspections is really faster," Uwacu stated.
As for Joshua Ndamukunda, another vehicle owner, "it was about time this initiative started, and it would be helping one to get prepared ahead of time because, previously, the traffic police would tell you to pay the same without giving another option.”
Rwanda National Police has five automobile inspection centers; one in Remera, in Kigali, another in Rwamagana District, another in Huye District, and another in Musanze District.
There is also a mobile inspection lane which serves owners of vehicles operating far from inspection centers.