Motorists to pay instant fines instead of appearing in court for minor offences, NTSA announces

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) announced on Thursday, May 28, that motorists will first receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence and then decide whether to appear in court. 

The move follows the suspension of the instant fines management system on March 27 after lawsuits and public backlash.

Under the revised framework, NTSA’s Director General said consultations with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the National Police Service (NPS) resulted in relaxed requirements for minor offences. 

Drivers committing certain minor traffic incidents will no longer be required to report to court immediately. Instead, they may receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence.

The notification will outline the alleged offence, date, time and location, prescribed penalty, payment instructions, and response timelines.

Detection may arise from police enforcement or from traffic cameras and other digital monitoring systems. Once evidence is gathered, a notice will be issued to the driver or registered vehicle owner. 

NTSA said notifications can be delivered in person by police officers, affixed to vehicles, or sent via SMS, email or approved digital platforms, and urged motorists to keep their contact details up to date in the registration system.

Recipients may admit liability and pay the fine within a specified period to avoid immediate court attendance, or they may elect to dispute the allegation in court. 

Motorists retain the right to access supporting evidence, including photographs or video recordings. NTSA also assured that personal data will be handled in accordance with the Constitution and the Data Protection Act.

The authority noted that courts may reduce or refund penalties in light of mitigating circumstances and may apply demerit points where appropriate. 

Failure to respond, pay fines, or appear when required could lead to tougher penalties imposed by the courts.