What motorists should know about NTSA's new instant fines for minor traffic offences

Motorists are set to face stricter enforcement of traffic rules after the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) unveiled a revised schedule of instant fines for minor offences under the Traffic (Minor Offences) Rules, 2016.

The new framework forms part of the effort to improve road discipline and reduce the rising number of accidents on Kenyan roads.

Under the system, motorists who commit minor traffic violations will be required to pay prescribed fines immediately instead of undergoing lengthy court processes.

According to NTSA, the instant fines regime is designed to streamline enforcement and improve compliance with traffic laws.  

The initiative is also being supported by a new digital enforcement system that will rely on traffic cameras and integrated data systems to detect violations automatically.

Once an offence is recorded, the driver will receive a notification detailing the offence and the amount payable.

Authorities say the digital approach will reduce physical interaction between motorists and traffic officers, a move intended to curb corruption and increase transparency in traffic enforcement.

Under the schedule released by NTSA, dozens of offences fall within the category of minor violations and attract fixed penalties.

For instance, driving a vehicle without proper identification number plates or with plates incorrectly fixed attracts a fine of Sh10,000.

The same amount applies to operating a vehicle without a valid inspection certificate.

Drivers found operating a vehicle without the appropriate driving licence endorsement face a Sh3,000 penalty, while failure to renew or produce a driving licence when required attracts a Sh1,000 fine.

Motorists who ignore traffic signs risk a Sh3,000 fine, while those who fail to stop when directed by a police officer may be fined Sh5,000.

Driving on pavements or pedestrian walkways attracts a Sh5,000 penalty, and causing obstruction on the road can lead to a Sh10,000 fine.

The rules also address distracted driving. Using a mobile phone while behind the wheel carries a Sh2,000 penalty, while failing to wear a seat belt attracts a Sh500 fine.

Learner drivers who fail to display the required “L” plates on their vehicles risk paying Sh1,000.

Speeding penalties are applied on a graduated scale depending on how much a driver exceeds the limit.

Motorists who exceed the speed limit by 6 to 10 kilometres per hour face a Sh500 fine, while exceeding it by 11 to 15 km/h attracts Sh3,000.

Those driving 16 to 20 km/h above the limit may be fined up to Sh10,000.

Public service vehicles (PSVs) are also subject to specific rules under the schedule. Offences such as allowing an unauthorised person to drive a PSV will be fined Sh3,000.

These are some of the measures put into place.