There has always been a silent belief in Kenya; road accidents increase as people begin to commemorate festive seasons.

This is a hypothesis. Accidents in Kenya can occur all year round.

Traffic Statistics from 2022 indicate that more than 4,000 people lost their lives. Most of these were pedestrians and motorcyclists.

Recently, a truck lost control at a notorious junction and crashed into a market, killing numerous traders and passengers by the roadside. This year alone, the number thus far has gone past the 1,000 mark.

NTSA has established specific traffic laws that carry instant fines when violated. Here is a list of some traffic rules and their fines:

A. Fines for Vehicles

Vehicles travelling on Kenyan roads must adhere to the guidelines set by the National Transport and Safety Authority.

Failure to meet the standard requirements can result in fines, which vary based on the seriousness of the violated rule.

Below is a list of penalties that vehicles will be charged for non-compliant behaviours:

1. Wrongly placed License plates

All vehicles operating on Kenyan roads are required to have valid identification number plates. Failure to display registration plates or incorrect placement of the plates will result in a levy of Sh. 10,000

2. Lifesaver and Extinguisher

Vehicles must be equipped with reflective warning signs in emergencies, such as breakdowns on the road. Additionally, vehicles must have a fire extinguisher and fire safety kits as a precautionary measure.

Failure to have these essential safety items can result in instant fines of up to Sh. 2,000

3. Driving non-designated PSVs

Operating a Nissan matatu or bus without proper labelling according to its designated operation route violates Kenyan law. The NTSA requires vehicles to display accurate and visible route information.

Failure to comply with this requirement can result in a fine of Sh. 5,000

4. PSVs with tinted windows

Driving a Passenger Service Vehicle with fully tinted windows is considered a traffic offence in Kenya. NTSA prohibits this to ensure visibility and enhance passenger safety.

If caught operating such a vehicle, you may be subjected to a penalty of Sh. 10,000

5. Failure to have speed governors

Using speed governors for commercial vehicles in Kenya is a non-negotiable law. Speed governors promote road safety and mitigate the risk of accidents by regulating the speed of vehicles.

Failure to install and properly maintain a speed governor in a commercial vehicle would flout the law, and the driver will face a fine of at least Sh. 2,000

6. Lack of Safety Belts

According to traffic regulations, all vehicles, especially PSVs must have functional safety belts for each seat.

If a vehicle is caught lacking, it will ultimately result in a penalty of Sh. 1,000 per seat. Assuming the vehicle is a 14-seater PSV found to have seats without safety belts. The driver will pay a fine above Sh. 14,000

B. Fines for Motorists

As a driver, it is important to be aware of possible penalties looming over your head if found to violate traffic laws. Here are some that you may face when caught on the wrong side of the law:

1. Using Mobile Phones while driving

Using a phone while driving, whether for texting, talking or listening to music with earphones, is strictly prohibited. NTSA emphasizes tat this behaviour causes road accidents as it leads to loss of concentration.

If you are caught violating this rule, be prepared to pay a fine of at least Sh. 2,000.

Modern vehicles are equipped with communication tools to facilitate safer and more convenient communication on the road.

2. Driving without an insurance sticker

Motorists should ensure they have a valid insurance certificate, particularly when plying routes with traffic congestion.

Failure to have a valid insurance certificate can result in severe consequences. Sometimes, a driver can face imprisonment for several months or be required to pay a hefty fine of at least Sh. 100,000.

To avoid this, keep your insurance documents current to avoid any legal complications and financial liabilities.

3. Not carrying a driver’s licence

Note that having a valid digital driver’s license on the NTSA portal is not a substitute for carrying the physical license with you. You are required to have your driver’s license with you at all times.

Failure to produce the license upon request is considered an offence and can result in a fine of Sh. 1,000.

Similarly, you will be subjected to the same amount if you fail to renew your license within the required timeframe.

Furthermore, sticking to the specific vehicle class you have obtained a license for is essential. Operating a vehicle outside your authorized class can lead to a penalty of Sh. 7,000.

Motorists driving without valid driving licenses are considered unqualified. If caught, they may face a penalty of over Sh. 10,000.

4. Learner without the ‘L’ sign

As a new driver, displaying the designated sticker on your vehicle’s rear and front ends is important. This signifies that you are a new driver and alerts other users to exercise caution around you.

In rare cases, failure to display the ‘L’ sticker may result in a fine of up to Sh. 1,000.

5. Disobeying Traffic Signs and Police

In Kenya, you must adhere to traffic signs and obey instructions from law enforcement officers. When caught flouting these two rules, be prepared to produce Sh. 3,000.

New severe fines for motorists violating traffic rules

If offenders are penalised and denied the charges for ignoring traffic rules, they will be taken into custody, and vehicles will be towed to respective police stations.

They will then be arraigned in court for a hearing which may sometimes take months or even years. This translates to the offender paying some amount in the form of cash bail to continue their journey.

Disclaimer: Traffic fines are subject to change from time to time