“Oli confiscatem car blo mi just because I don’t have my insurance in the car — although I showed them electronic evidence.”
– Fenty Rox

In the year 2025, you’d think electronic records would be enough to prove you’re a law-abiding driver. But in Vanuatu, drivers are facing an old-school crackdown where no physical copy = no mercy — even if your insurance or registration is valid online.

And the people are fed up.

Confiscation Without Common Sense?

When officers stop vehicles, many drivers — like Fenty Rox — are surprised to find that showing a digital version of valid documents isn’t enough. In some cases, even after presenting a receipt or screenshot proving payment, authorities still confiscate cars or demand hard-to-get physical stickers.

“From Customs run out of roadworthy stickers.”
– High Potential
“After u show receipt oli se oli wantem sticker.”

But how is it fair to penalize people for a government shortfall?

Delays, Closures, and No Service

It gets worse. Those trying to print or collect physical papers from the authorities are running into problems of their own.

“By the time mi ko lineup blo pem, oli putum sign blo ‘CLOSED’ lo door we i no 3pm yet.”
– Fenty Rox
“Mifala fulap i laenap, cashier i close.”

The system is making it nearly impossible to comply — and then punishing people who try.

So, What Needs to Change?

This isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It’s a broken system hurting ordinary ni-Vanuatu who are trying their best.

What people are calling for:

• Accept electronic proof of valid documents.
• Improve public service hours and reliability.
• Fix supply issues (e.g., stickers, receipts).
• Train officers properly – especially in communication and procedures.
• Bring digital solutions into enforcement — and leave the 1990s behind.

Final Word

“Oli wantem mekem wanem lo paper .. 2025 ya umi finis lo hard copy things ya finis.”
– Spy blo Gavman

Exactly. It’s time Vanuatu’s road enforcement catches up with the reality of modern life. If the government wants compliance, it needs to make the system fair, digital, and transparent — not just punitive and paper-based.

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A Tech Solution

A practical solution is to implement a digital vehicle and driver verification system accessible by enforcement officers via mobile devices or tablets. This system would allow:

• Instant verification of registration, insurance, and road tax status.
• Electronic issuance of digital stickers or QR codes linked to vehicle records.
• Notifications sent directly to drivers about renewals or issues.
• Reduced need for physical paperwork and manual checks.

Such a system would save time, reduce errors, and make enforcement more efficient and citizen-friendly.

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At mattdotvu, we can design smart, practical systems for traffic enforcement and beyond. If you support modernizing Vanuatu’s vehicle compliance process or want to help bring these solutions to life, get in touch at contact@mattdotvu.com or call +678 5981895.