Kenya Traffic rules are unfavorable

The recent amendment of the section 12 of Cap 403 of the law of Kenya caught many car owners off guard. The president went ahead and signed the amendments into law meaning they are operational from then and can be effected.

To get you on the safe side I am making sure you understand the implications and the changes made as a cushion to our beloved clients. 

 Number plates: Let’s say you want to sell your car, there is a new procedure governing that because you will have to surrender the plates to the registrar of motor vehicles and. On the other hand, if you again fail to renew you’re the insurance cover, you also need to remember to surrender the plates to the registrar or else, you risk being arrested and fined.

   When on the road, many are the times you have seen Matatu drivers and motor cycle riders overlapping and using the wrong lanes. If this new rule is obeyed, this will be history. The new law stated that Overlapping, Obstruction, driving through a petrol station to avoid traffic and driving on the pavements attracts a 100,000 to 300,000 Shillings fine, a one year jail term or both. 

  

   Over speeding is also one serious offense in the traffic laws of Kenya as it attracts a 10,000 shillings fine, three months in jail or both. The Kenyan traffic laws have put a speed limit of 80 Kph as the maximum speed on major roads. You also need to understand that some accidents occurring due to careless driving and over speeding are not compensable for insurance. Just be cautious.

   The common careless driving is also being taken seriously as from the new law; it attracts a 500,000 shillings fine/10 year jail term or both. The same applies to the offense of Driving under the influence of alcohol.

  

   For PSV operators, both the drive and the conductor need to always be in uniform and badge rules or else face serious offenses.

  Motor Cycle Riders are restricted to one passage per ride and both the rider and the passenger need to have a reflective jacket and helmets otherwise they risk being fined 10,000 Kenya shillings in default or 12 months imprisonment.

Furthermore, road blocks are to be gazetted prior to being set up by the traffic police department. On the other hand, the driving licenses for speed limit violators will be suspended for not less than 3 years if the person exceeds a speed limit of by over 10kph and the offense repeated 3 times or more.

For the passenger, you need to have the safety belts on at all times.

It will be mandatory for all licensed drivers to go for eye checkups every three months and if you fail the test your license will be withdrawn.

To effect the law, all law enforcers (the regular police and APs) are effectively mandated to deal with traffic issues with the abolition of the Traffic Department under the Kenya Police Service Act.

This important not only for drivers but also car owners since accidents and losses accrued from carelessness and deviation from the law are not compensated. 

I therefore advice you to be careful while on the road and effect the new rules for both your safety and the safety of your passengers. 

Feel free to give feedback and ask any question related to Insurance and your safety on the road.

Be safe