Maintaining your car in Tahiti: garages, tires, spare parts, vehicle registration, and licenses
In Tahiti, the salty air, humidity, and heat put vehicles under a lot of stress: regular maintenance at a garage, good condition tires, and special attention to corrosion make a real difference. When it comes to procedures, the Department of Land Transport (DTT), in Pirae, handles vehicle registration and license exchanges. This guide gathers best practices, official rules, and professionals listed in the Annuaire de Polynésie.
- The directory lists 16 garages, 7 tire shops, and 5 parts stores.
- Insurance is mandatory and required before registration.
- Mainland France or EU license: mandatory exchange after 6 months of residence (stamp of 7,500 XPF).
- Imported vehicle: circulation tax (TMC) must be paid before registration.
The right habits for car maintenance in the tropics
- Corrosion: seawater corrodes the underside of the car, brakes, and electrical connectors. Rinse the undercarriage regularly, especially if you live near the coast.
- Air conditioning: it runs all year round; have the system and cabin filter checked regularly.
- Tires: check the cold pressure and wear, especially if you are driving on valley and mountain roads.
- Battery: heat accelerates its aging; have it tested during regular maintenance.
- Brakes: steep roads put them under stress; have them checked regularly.
Find a garage
The listed garages are spread throughout the island, for example Ohana Car and the Centre Auto Service Punaruu in Punaauia, Garage Carross’Auto and Tahiti ACR Keane in Pirae, or General Auto in Faa’a. Always request a written quote before major work, and check customer reviews on each listing.
For a new vehicle, dealers in the Vehicles section handle maintenance under warranty.
Tires and spare parts
For tires: Tahiti Pneus Fare Ute, Punaauia Pneus, Papara Pneus, Océanie Pneus… For parts: NPS Polynésie, SOPADEP, Pièces Auto Center in Papeete or Orama Import in Mahina. Some parts must be ordered outside the territory: anticipate the delivery times.
Inspection and appraisal
Rental vehicles are subject to mandatory technical inspections and a circulation permit issued by the DTT. For individuals, contact the DTT to find out the applicable obligations for your vehicle. Before buying a used car, have it appraised by a professional, for example the Automotive Appraisal Center of Polynésia in Arue.
Vehicle registration and license plate
The DTT is located at 918 rue Afarerii in Pirae (tel. 40 54 96 54), with offices in Taravao and Uturoa. Hours in Pirae: Monday to Wednesday from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, Thursday and Friday from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm. An insurance certificate is required to register a vehicle.
Import a vehicle
Before registering an imported vehicle, you must pay the circulation tax (TMC) and the environmental tax for recycling, at the Direction des impôts et des contributions publiques (simulation at 40 46 13 13). The file includes the customs clearance declaration, the customs certificate, the original registration certificate (translated if needed), and, except for a vehicle coming from mainland France, an expert's report. Some vehicles are exempt from TMC, such as vehicles with 90 cm³ or less.
Driver's license
- Metropolitan, DROM-COM, or European Union driver's license: valid for 6 months after installation, then mandatory exchange.
- Driver's license issued outside the European Union: exchange within 12 months.
- Parts: 7,500 XPF tax stamp (available for sale at Fare Rata agencies), information report less than 3 months old, in-person deposit at the DTT in Pirae.
To learn how to drive, the directory lists 14 driving schools.
Frequently asked questions
Where to get your car serviced in Tahiti?
At one of the garages listed in the directory (Punaauia, Pirae, Faa'a, Papeete...) or at your brand's dealer.
How much does it cost to exchange a driver's license in French Polynésia?
A tax stamp of 7,500 XPF, available at Fare Rata agency, plus the parts requested by the DTT.
Do you have to pay a tax to import a car to Tahiti?
Yes, the circulation tax (TMC) and the environmental tax for recycling, before registration.
Where is the DTT located?
At 918 Afarerii Street in Pirae, with offices in Taravao and Uturoa. Phone: 40 54 96 54.
