Vehicles emissions testing expanded to motorcycles, farm, and construction machines

The Government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), has launched the Rwanda Emission Inspection Program to help safeguard air quality and public health.

This new emissions testing system does not replace the regular vehicle inspection carried out by the Rwanda National Police. Instead, it complements it by allowing REMA to specifically test vehicle emissions at designated centers.

One of the most harmful gases emitted by vehicles is carbon monoxide. Under the new standards, emission limits vary by vehicle age: Vehicles manufactured in 2005 or later must not exceed 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter of exhaust. Vehicles manufactured between 1992 and 2004 must not exceed 2.5 micrograms while those manufactured before 1992 must not exceed 4.5 micrograms.

Inspection fees have also been set. Vehicles carrying up to nine passengers will pay Rwf 34,000, while those carrying ten or more passengers, as well as goods vehicles over 1.5 tons, will pay Rwf 51,000.

According to Pierre Celestin Hakizimana, an air quality monitoring officer at REMA, the program now includes categories of vehicles that were previously not tested but significantly contribute to air pollution. These include motorcycles, which will pay Rwf 16,000 and agricultural and road construction machines, which will pay Rwf 49,000 for the first test.

A 2022 study by REMA revealed that vehicles account for over 57% of emissions from energy-powered activities, with motorcycles alone responsible for 47% of total vehicle emissions.

“We encourage all Rwandans to bring their vehicles for inspection–not only to protect the air we breathe but also to safeguard their vehicles’ performance and ensure they remain roadworthy. What used to be called a technical inspection is now only complete once both mechanical and emissions tests are passed,” Hakizimana explained.

Mbonigaba Innocent, the national coordinator of the program, stressed the importance of proper vehicle maintenance. “Every day, we test more than 150 vehicles. A well-maintained vehicle that undergoes regular servicing does not emit harmful gases. But when maintenance is neglected, vehicles become polluters and even suffer damage themselves,” he noted.

Currently, emissions testing services are available in Huye District (Southern Province); Rwamagana District (Eastern Province); Remera (Kigali City) and Musanze District (Northern Province).

The initiative aligns with global environmental observances such as the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (7 September) and the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (16 September). These days highlight the need for individuals, communities, and governments to take collective action against air pollution.

Rwanda has already made significant strides in this area, including the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP), the Kigali Implementation Plan (KIP), the Energy Efficiency Project, the Rwanda Cooling Initiative (R-COOL), and the establishment of the African Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES).