The municipality of Cotonou, Benin, has introduced new fees for vehicles in its impound lot, as stated in a municipal decree dated September 16, 2026. The decree establishes a communal impound lot for motorized vehicles and sets fees for vehicle removal and storage. The fees vary depending on the type of vehicle. This move aims to regulate and manage abandoned or unserviceable vehicles, as well as illegal vehicle repair activities in public spaces.
The new fees range from 2,000 to 150,000 FCFA, depending on the type of vehicle. For two-wheeled motorcycles, the removal fee is 5,000 FCFA, and the storage fee is 2,000 FCFA. Tricycles have a removal fee of 10,000 FCFA and a storage fee of 3,000 FCFA. Vehicles with 4 to 12 places have a removal fee of 30,000 FCFA and a storage fee of 5,000 FCFA. Larger vehicles, such as those with 13 to 30 places, have a removal fee of 50,000 FCFA and a storage fee of 10,000 FCFA.
The municipality of Cotonou will begin an operation to clear public spaces of abandoned or unserviceable vehicles, as well as illegal vehicle repair activities, starting from September 21, 2026. The operation aims to restore order and safety to public areas. Vehicle owners who fail to claim their vehicles within 90 days will have their vehicles sold at a public auction.
According to the decree, if a vehicle's owner is unknown, unfindable, or insolvent, the vehicle will be sold at a public auction after 90 days of storage. The auction will be conducted by a bailiff. This measure is intended to prevent vehicles from being abandoned in public spaces and to promote responsible vehicle ownership.
The introduction of the new fees and the impound lot is part of the municipality's efforts to improve the management of vehicles in Cotonou. The municipality aims to reduce the number of abandoned vehicles in public spaces and promote a safer and more organized environment.
The new fees and regulations have been put in place to ensure that vehicle owners take responsibility for their vehicles and to prevent the accumulation of abandoned vehicles in public spaces. The municipality of Cotonou is taking steps to enforce the new regulations and ensure compliance from vehicle owners.
The municipal decree and the introduction of the new fees are expected to have a positive impact on the management of vehicles in Cotonou. The measures are intended to promote a safer and more organized environment, and to encourage responsible vehicle ownership among residents.
Key points
- New fees for vehicles in impound lot range from 2,000 to 150,000 FCFA.
- Municipality of Cotonou to begin operation to clear public spaces of abandoned vehicles.
- Vehicles abandoned for 90 days will be sold at a public auction.
