The National Transport and Safety Authority has released a detailed list of 35 traffic offences and penalties. The announcement came as the government rolled out a new instant fines system. The notice was issued on Tuesday, March 10.
Authorities say the new system will improve road safety and law compliance. The system targets motorists who commit minor traffic violations. It also aims to streamline traffic law enforcement across the country.
Instant Fines System Explained
The instant fines system operates under the Traffic Minor Offences Rules of 2016. Motorists who commit minor offences can now pay fines instantly. This removes the need for lengthy court proceedings.
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Officials say the approach will reduce case backlogs in courts. The system will also improve efficiency in enforcing traffic rules. Authorities believe the move will promote responsible behaviour among motorists.
The agency said motorists who break traffic rules will receive SMS notifications. The message will contain details of the offence and the penalty required.
Common Traffic Offences and Penalties
Several common offences carry financial penalties under the new system. Driving without identification plates attracts a fine of Ksh10,000. Improperly fixed number plates also attract the same penalty.
Driving without a valid vehicle inspection certificate attracts a Ksh10,000 fine. Motorists without the correct licence endorsement face a Ksh3,000 penalty. Failure to renew a driving licence attracts a Ksh1,000 fine.
Driving while unqualified carries a Ksh5,000 penalty. Failure to carry a driving licence when requested attracts a Ksh1,000 fine.
Speeding Offences
Speeding offences attract penalties depending on the level of violation. Drivers exceeding limits by 1 to 5 kilometres per hour receive a warning.
Drivers exceeding limits by 6 to 10 kilometres per hour face a Ksh500 fine. Exceeding limits by 11 to 15 kilometres per hour attracts a Ksh3,000 penalty.
Drivers exceeding limits by 16 to 20 kilometres per hour face a Ksh10,000 fine.
PSV and Commercial Vehicle Violations
Public Service Vehicle operators face additional penalties under the rules. An unlicensed PSV conductor attracts a Ksh5,000 fine. PSV owners allowing such conductors face a Ksh10,000 penalty.
Failure by drivers or conductors to wear badges and uniforms attracts a Ksh2,000 fine. PSV operators who fail to refund passengers for incomplete journeys face a Ksh3,000 penalty.
Touting also attracts a Ksh3,000 fine. Allowing unauthorized persons to drive a PSV carries a Ksh3,000 penalty.
Operating a PSV with tinted windows attracts a Ksh3,000 fine. Failure to carry a fire extinguisher and first aid kit attracts a Ksh2,000 penalty. Using a mobile phone while driving also attracts a Ksh2,000 fine.
Vehicle Compliance Violations
Vehicle compliance offences also attract penalties under the new system. Failure to display learner plates attracts a Ksh1,000 fine. Failure to wear seat belts attracts a Ksh500 penalty.
PSV owners who fail to maintain clean seat belts face a Ksh500 fine. Failure to carry reflective warning signs attracts a Ksh2,000 penalty.
Failure to install speed governors in PSVs attracts a Ksh10,000 fine.
Other Key Traffic Violations
Other violations carry strict penalties under the rules. Driving on pavements attracts a Ksh5,000 fine. Failing to obey police instructions attracts a Ksh3,000 penalty.
Ignoring traffic signals carries a Ksh3,000 fine. Failure to stop when required attracts a Ksh5,000 penalty.
Improper parking that causes obstruction attracts a Ksh10,000 fine. Failure to display reflective triangles when a vehicle stalls attracts a Ksh3,000 penalty.
Motorcycles carrying more than one passenger attract a Ksh1,000 fine. Driving on a footpath attracts a Ksh5,000 penalty. Pedestrians obstructing traffic face a Ksh500 fine.
Seven-Day Payment Requirement
Authorities said offenders must settle fines within seven days. Failure to pay within the deadline will attract interest.
Motorists who fail to pay will also face restrictions on NTSA services. They may not access services on NTSA platforms until payment is completed.
The authority urged motorists to follow traffic regulations. Officials also advised drivers to respond quickly to official notifications.
Authorities believe the instant fines system will improve road discipline. The initiative also aims to make Kenyan roads safer for all users.
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