Motorists, riders and public service vehicle operators have been urged to strictly comply with traffic regulations as authorities intensify enforcement during the festive season to enhance road safety and reduce accidents.
The crackdown focuses on common minor traffic offences that frequently contribute to congestion, reckless driving and preventable road incidents.
Traffic police will enforce penalties as stipulated under the Traffic (Minor Offences) Rules, 2016, with fines ranging from KSh 500 to KSh 10,000 depending on the offence committed.
Among the key offences attracting penalties is the use of a mobile phone while driving, which carries a fine of KSh 2,000, while a failure to wear seat belts which will attract KSh 500 fine.
Speeding remains a major focus of enforcement during the festive period.
Drivers exceeding the speed limit by between six and ten kilometres per hour face a fine of KSh 500, while those exceeding the limit by eleven to fifteen kilometres per hour risk a penalty of KSh 3,000.
Failure to obey traffic signs or lawful directions issued by a police officer attracts a fine of KSh 3,000 as authorities have warned that non-compliance with police instructions, particularly during traffic control operations, will not be tolerated.
Public service vehicle operators are also under scrutiny. Passengers boarding or alighting outside authorised stops attract a penalty of KSh 1,000, while drivers who pick or drop passengers at unauthorised points risk a fine of KSh 3,000 under the applicable traffic rules.
Motorcycle riders and passengers without protective gear will be fined KSh 1,000 as enforcement targets compliance with safety regulations aimed at reducing serious injuries on the roads.]
Licence-related offences remain common during traffic checks as motorists who fail to carry or produce a driving licence on demand face a fine of KSh 1,000.
The same penalty applies to drivers who fail to renew their licences, while driving without a valid licence endorsement for the relevant vehicle class attracts a stiffer fine of KSh 3,000, with learner drivers who fail to display “L” plates at the front and rear of the vehicle risking a KSh 1,000 penalty.
Drivers who obstruct traffic by leaving vehicles on the road face one of the heaviest penalties, with fines set at KSh 10,000.
In addition, motorists who drive on or through pavements and pedestrian walkways will be fined KSh 5,000 under the Traffic Act.
Authorities have reiterated that enforcement will remain strict throughout the festive season, particularly on major highways and within urban centres.
Motorists have been urged to observe traffic laws not only to avoid fines, but also to protect lives during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
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