Fine overload: Tough times ahead for motorists and passengers

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Are you ready for what could be the biggest matatu crackdown witnessed on our Kenyan roads? The promised ruthless countrywide crackdown on traffic violation is set to begin tomorrow Monday, November 12.

Transport is expected to be paralysed across the city as the Federation of Public Transport Operators has declared that their members will pull their vehicles off the roads in protest against the traffic guidelines they are required to comply with.

On the other hand, the government has declared war saying that there is no turning back in the quest to restore sanity on the roads.

 

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“Effective Monday, 12th November 2018, any PSV vehicle, drivers, SACCOs/Transport companies, passengers and other relevant parties that fail to comply with the provisions of the NTSA Act and the Traffic Act will be firmly dealt with in accordance with the law,” said the government in a statement.

With disruption in the transport industry expected, security authorities will be on the look out for matatus, private motorists and passengers who will be found violating the over 30 traffic regulations.

 

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“Some people might think we are joking or will relent after a while. We will stay the course until we restore sanity on the roads,” said Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet.

Here is a breakdown of the rules and fines that will be imposed:

  1. Driving vehicles that don’t have identification plates affixed or have been placed incorrectly – Ksh 10,000
  2. Driving on or through a pedestrian walkway or pavement –Ksh. 5,000
  3. Causing obstruction on the road with your vehicle in a manner that inconveniences other motorists or prevents flow of traffic – Ksh. 10,000
  4. Failure of a driver to obey traffic signs – Ksh. 3,000
  5. Failure of a driver to stop when asked to do so by a police officer in uniform – Ksh. 5,000
  6. Driving without a valid driving licence that corresponds to the class of the vehicle being driven – Ksh. 7,000
  7. Failure to renew a driving licence -Ksh. 1,000
  8. Failure to produce a driving licence on demand – Ksh. 1,000
  9. Driving while using a mobile phone – Ksh. 2,000
  10. Learner failing to exhibit ‘L’ plates on front and rear of the vehicle – Ksh. 1,000
  11. Failure of a vehicle to carry lifesavers – Ksh. 2,000
  12. Failure to display lifesavers in the case where any part of the vehicle remains on the road in a position to obstruct or cause obstruction – Ksh. 3,000
  13. Failure of vehicle to have seat belts – Ksh. 10,000 for every seat that doesn’t have a seat belt or if the the seat belts are not of the proper standard.
  14. Driving a public service vehicle while being unqualified -Ksh. 7,000
  15. The driver of the public service vehicle who lets an unauthorized person drive – Ksh. 5,000
  16. An unlicensed individual acting as the conductor or driver of the PSV – Ksh. 5,000
  17. PSV picking and dropping passengers at areas that are not the designated bus stops – Ksh. 1,000
  18. Failure to fit prescribed speed governors in vehicles – Ksh. 10,000
  19. Travelling with a part of the body outside a moving vehicle – Ksh. 1,000
  20. Touting – Ksh. 3,000
  21. Motorcycle passenger riding without protective gear – Ksh. 1,000
  22. Rider of a motorcycle carrying more than one passenger – Ksh. 1,000
  23. Failure to keep seat belts in a clean and wearable condition – Ksh. 500

For speeding, the fines are as follows:

Exceeding the speed limit as prescribed to the class of the vehicle by:

1-5 kph: Ksh. 500
6-10 kph: Ksh. 3,000
11-15 kph: Ksh. 6,000
16-20 kph: Ksh. 10,000

Exceeding the speed limit shown on a traffic sign by:

1-5 kph: Ksh. 500
6-10 kph: Ksh. 3,000
11-15 kph: Ksh. 6,000
16-20 kph: Ksh. 10,000.

According to the government, these rules not only apply to motorists but also passengers. For instance, motorcycle passengers riding without protective gear will face a fine of Ksh. 1,000 and failure to wear a seat-belt while a vehicle is in motion will attract a fine of Ksh. 500.

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Do you think the instant fines will help bring sanity on the road or is it just a way for the police to pocket more money?

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