The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Instant Fines Traffic Management System is now live. Motorists on the wrong side of the law will receive traffic violation notifications on their mobile phones via text messages.

“All fines issued through the system can be paid through the branch network of KCB Group within 7 days. Failure to settle the fine due within the 7 days will result in the amount due earning interest,” the authority notes in a statement.

Motorists with pending fines will also be locked out of the NTSA’s online services platform. This is important as actions like transferring ownership of a vehicle with accrued fines won’t be possible.

1,000 speed enforcement cameras, 700 fixed and 300 mobile, to be deployed, with instant fines now applicable to 37 types of traffic violations.

Depending on the specific offense, motorists can expect to pay anywhere from KES 500 to KES 10,000 in fines.

Some offenses carry only a warning, 1 specifically targets pedestrians, while a number are aimed at Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), commonly known as matatus.

Notably, the system automatically bills the registered owner’s phone for any offences committed by a matatu or boda boda.

Nature of OffensePenalty (KES)
1. Driving without identification plates affixed or plates not fixed in the prescribed manner10,000
2. Driving a vehicle without a valid inspection certificate inspected.10,000
3. Driving without a valid driving license endorsement with respect to the class of vehicle.3,000
4. Failure to renew a driving license.1,000
5. Driving a PSV while being unqualified5,000
6. Failing to carry and produce a driver’s license on demand.1,000
7. Exceeding the speed limit prescribed for the class of vehicleBy 1-5 kph – Warning
By 6-10 kph – 500
By 11-15 kph – 3000
By 16-20 kph -10,000
8. Exceeding the speed limit of 50 kph or as prescribed by a traffic signBy 1-5 kph – Warning
By 6-10 kph – 500
By 11-15 kph – 3000
By 16-20 kph -10,000
9. Driving on or through a pavement or a pedestrian walkway.5,000
10. Failure of a driver to obey any directions given, whether verbally or by signal, by a police officer in uniform, in the execution of their duty.3,000
11. Failure of a driver to conform to the indications given by any traffic sign.3,000
12. Failure of a driver to stop when required to do so by a police officer in uniform.5,000
13. Causing obstruction by allowing a vehicle to remain in any position on the road to obstruct or cause inconvenience to other traffic using the road.10,000
14. Failure to display reflective triangles or lifesavers in cases where any part of the vehicle remains on the road in a position to obstructing or causes obstruction.3,000
15. Driver of motor cycle carrying more than one pillion passenger.1,000
16. Driving a vehicle on a footpath.5,000
17. A pedestrian willfully obstructing the free passage of vehicles.500
18. An unlicensed person driving or acting as a conductor of a PSV.5,000
19. Owner or operator of a PSV employing an unlicensed PSV driver or conductor.10,000
20. Failure to refund fare paid for the incomplete portion of the journey for which the full fare has been paid.3, 000
21. Touting.3, 000
22. Failure of a PSV driver or conductor to wear a special badge and uniform.2, 000
23. Motorcycle rider riding without protective gear.1, 000
24. A person who, while not being the designated driver of a PSV, drives the vehicle3,000
25. The driver of a PSV who lets an unauthorized person drive the vehicle.3, 000
26. Learner failing to exhibit ‘L’ stickers on the front and rear of the motor vehicle.1, 000
27. Failure by the owner of a vehicle to have seat belts in a motor vehicle as prescribed in Rule 22A(1).1,000 for every seat that is not fitted or is not of the proper standard or specification
28. Failure to wear a seat belt while a motor vehicle is in motion.500
29. Failure of a conductor of PSV to keep seat belts in a clean, dry and generally wearable condition.500
30. Failure of a vehicle to carry reflective warning signs (lifesavers).2, 000
31. Failure to fit the prescribed speed governor in PSV and Commercial Vehicle.10, 000
32. Driving or operating a PSV with tinted windows or a windscreen.3, 000
33. Failure of a PSV to carry functional fire extinguishers and fire kits.2, 000
34. A driver using a mobile phone while the vehicle is in motion.2, 000
35. The driver of a motor omnibus or matatu picking up or setting down passengers in a place that is not authorized as a bus stop or terminal.3,000
36. A passenger alighting or boarding any omnibus or matatu at a place which is not authorized as a bus stop or terminal.1, 000
37. Traveling with part of the body outside a moving vehicle.1, 000
Source: NTSA

The system will also incorporate a Driver Merit and Demerit Points System, enabling real-time tracking of driver behavior and creating a structured mechanism for rewarding compliance and penalizing repeated traffic violations.