Tough traffic rules to curb carnage
What you need to know:
- According to the Traffic Amendment Act 2012, if you are not the designated driver of a particular public service vehicle, do not drive it.
- The new traffic laws prohibit the practice that is common among matatu drivers, many of who leave their vehicles to others as they run other errands.
- The Act says those found engaging in this practice will be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding Sh500,000.
A silly traffic offence could cost you your hard-earned cash or land you in jail.
According to the new traffic rules aimed at restoring sanity on Kenyan roads, offenders will be punished for violations like overlapping, speeding, careless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Other punishable breaches include failure to adhere to uniform and badges directive for PSV operators and exceeding the one-passenger requirement for motorcycle operators.
Riders will also be obligated to have reflective vests and helmets, including one for the passenger. Failure to comply with this rule will attract Sh10,000 fine or 12 months in prison in default.
According to the Traffic Amendment Act 2012, if you are not the designated driver of a particular public service vehicle, do not drive it.
The new traffic laws prohibit the practice that is common among matatu drivers, many of who leave their vehicles to others as they run other errands.
The Act says those found engaging in this practice will be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding Sh500,000.
The Ministry of Transport says the amended traffic laws will be a deterrent to those bent on breaking traffic regulations.
Stiffer fines
The ministry says stiffer fines, increased education for road users and road safety facilities will restore order on Kenyan roads.
In a statement, the ministry said it had commenced an intense awareness campaign targeting road users countrywide.
Matatu and commercial vehicle drivers, according to the new laws, will undergo physical fitness, eye and hearing tests after every three years to qualify for renewal of driving licences.
All drivers will be subjected to a demerit points system for traffic offences committed. The rules require that driving licences be renewed after every three years.
The law also requires the Inspector-General to gazette designated places for mounting security check road blocks except in cases certified by the police boss or an officer acting on his behalf.
In addition, the traffic laws now require that Officer Commanding Police Divisions be responsible for traffic matters while all police officers will deal with traffic offences.
The driving licence of a person who has been convicted for violation of a speed limit shall be invalidated for a period not less than three years.
