Car owners who sought a grace period to pay for their vehicle registration due in December are frustrated with a late fee noting the office was closed before the month ended. 

A late fee of $105 is normally imposed on late payment of vehicle warrant of fitness and many motorists who had their registration due in December lined up at the Land Transport Authority to argue their case.

Several motorists were frustrated with the lack of communication and awareness from LTA in informing the public about the situation costing them an extra $100.

Others told the Samoa Observer they went as far as trying to discuss the matter with the LTA Chief Executive Officer Sagauga Leilani Galuvao but were turned away. 

The LTA office was closed on 24 December similar to other government ministries and entities and had only returned to work on 6 January 2025. 

“They should have had people working to process our car registrations and the public should have been told about this,” said one unhappy motorist. 

“Christmas period is always busy and we should be given a grace period for our cars due in December…the month doesn’t have 24 days and they should be considerate of families that have financial obligations at the time.” 

Another motorist who identified himself as Fuifui Fatu said the authority should use its discretion to show some leniency to the public. 

“I understand they had to take their Christmas break but why should we be penalised for it,” he said. 

“Other government offices were also open to accommodate the needs of the public and LTA should have had a skeleton crew on so we could register our cars if they weren’t going to waive the late fees for us…they did it every other year, why not for last December.

“We are already paying much more for the cost of living and the late fee pushes the cost of living up for us.” 

Attempts have been made to obtain a comment from the LTA CEO Sagauga. 

On 22 December 2024, the LTA issued a notice on its Facebook page confirming the office in Vaitele and Salelologa will be closed from 24 December 2024 and resume operation from 6 January 2025. 

On 8 May 2024, the LTA implemented new changes where late registration fees will be applicable for all vehicles brought in for their warrant of fitness after their due month. 

The exception was only for vehicles under repair and maintenance. 

"This means the previous practice to refer for waiving of late fees due to the vehicle owner’s travel is discontinued,” said the LTA CEO in an internal memo. 

“Discretionary approval for late fee waivers shall not be issued on the grounds of travel. 

“Please ensure all staff dealing with customers in your respective divisions are made aware of this change so that customers are provided the right advice.”