Traffic offences that will get you arrested as ‘Michuki rules’ return

A major showdown is set to be witnessed on the roads from Monday, November 12 as the government begins a countrywide crackdown on traffic violation.

The battle lines have already been drawn. The Federation of Public Transport Operators has declared 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 maintains there is no turning back in the quest to restore sanity on the roads. It will be the return of the “Michuki rules”, which appear to have been abandoned, causing the country to slide back to the rogue days on the roads.

“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.

As commuters brace themselves for a fresh round of delays and disruptions, security authorities will be out to ensure compliance to the over 30 regulations targeting matatus, private motorists and passengers.

“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.

Below are some of the rules and fines that will be imposed;

Driving vehicles that does have identification plates affixed or if they have been placed incorrectly will be fined Ksh 10,000.

Driving on or through a pedestrian walkway or pavement –Ksh. 5,000

Causing obstruction on the road with your vehicle in a manner that inconveniences other motorists or prevents flow of traffic – Ksh.10,000

Failure of a driver to obey traffic signs – Ksh.3,000

Failure of a driver to stop when asked to do so by a police officer in uniform – Ksh.5,000

Driving without a valid driving licence that corresponds to the class of the vehicle being driven – Ksh.7,000

Failure to renew a driving licence -Ksh.1,000

Failure to produce a driving licence on demand – Ksh.1,000

Driving while using a mobile phone – Ksh.2,000

Learner failing to exhibit ‘L’ plates on front and rear of the vehicle – Ksh.1,000

Failure of a vehicle to carry lifesavers – Ksh.2,000

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

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.

Driving a public service vehicle while being unqualified -Ksh.7,000

The driver of the public service vehicle who lets an unauthorized person drive – Ksh.5,000

An unlicensed individual acting as the conductor or driver of the PSV – Ksh.5,000 PSV picking and dropping passengers at areas that are not the designated bus stops – Ksh.1,000

Failure to fit prescribed speed governors in vehicles – Ksh.10,000

Travelling with a part of the body outside a moving vehicle – Ksh.1,000

Touting – Ksh.3,000

Motorcycle passenger riding without protective gear – Ksh.1,000

Rider of a motorcycle carrying more than one passenger – Ksh.1,000

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.

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.