Ever been on Mombasa Road during rush hour and seen a driver blatantly run a red light? Or maybe you’ve been that boda boda passenger squeezing through traffic without a helmet. We’ve all seen it, and many of us have done it. But do you know what that moment of ‘convenience’ actually costs?
Ignorance isn’t bliss when the NTSA officer flags you down. This article breaks down the 5 most common traffic offenses you’re likely to commit in Kenya and the exact fines you’ll pay. No legal jargon, just straight-up info to keep your license—and your wallet—safe.
1. Speeding: The Expensive Rush
This is the king of traffic offenses in Kenya. Whether you’re trying to beat the Thika Road traffic or cruising too fast on a highway, speed cameras and mobile patrols are everywhere. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) doesn’t play with this one.
The fine isn’t a flat rate. It depends on how much you exceed the limit. The base fine starts from KES 3,000 for a minor overspeed, but it can shoot up dramatically. Get caught doing 20km/h over in a 50km/h zone? Be ready to part with a much larger sum.
Local Tip: Know Your Zones
School zones, like those near State House Road or in residential estates, have strict, low limits, especially during opening and closing hours. Fines here are often higher. During the long rains, speeding on wet roads like Waiyaki Way is not just an offense; it’s a major safety risk with increased penalty points.
2. Driving Without a Valid License
This isn’t just about forgetting your wallet at home. It covers driving with an expired license, a wrong class of license (like using a Class B for a matatu), or no license at all. With increased NTSA and police crackdowns, this is a sure way to have your vehicle impounded.
The fine for this offense is a hefty KES 7,000 or more. The bigger headache is the court process and the potential imprisonment. It’s simply not worth the risk for a quick errand to the supermarket.
Kenyan Reality Check
Many boda boda riders and some matatu touts operate without the proper license. As a passenger, you have a right to ask. Getting on a boda without a licensed rider means if there’s an accident, your insurance claim could be null and void. Protect yourself.
3. Not Wearing a Seatbelt
“I’m just going nearby.” Famous last words. Whether you’re in an Uber in Nairobi or your personal car in Nakuru, the seatbelt law applies to all occupants in a moving vehicle. The driver is responsible for ensuring everyone is buckled up.
The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is KES 500 per person. That means if the driver and three passengers are unbuckled, that’s a cool KES 2,000 gone. It’s one of the easiest fines to avoid, so just clip in.
4. Using a Mobile Phone While Driving
We’re all guilty of this. That text seems urgent, or you need to take that call. But holding your phone to your ear while navigating a roundabout in Kisumu is a direct ticket to a fine. The law states you cannot hold any telecommunications device while driving.
The penalty for this distraction is KES 2,000. If you must take a call, use a hands-free kit. Better yet, pull over safely. That WhatsApp message can definitely wait until you’re stopped.
5. Driving Without Insurance (Third-Party Cover)
This is a critical one. At the very minimum, you must have a valid Third-Party insurance cover. This covers injuries or damage you cause to other people, not your own car. Driving without it is a serious offense.
The fine for lacking insurance can go up to KES 10,000. More importantly, if you cause an accident, you will be personally liable for all medical and repair costs, which can run into millions. It’s the most basic form of financial protection on the road.
Local Pricing & Practical Advice
Don’t get caught with a fake insurance sticker from a rogue agent. Genuine third-party cover from reputable Kenyan insurers like ICEA Lion, APA, or Britam can cost as low as KES 5,000 per year for a small car. Always verify your policy via the insurer’s SMS code before paying. Buy directly from the insurer’s office or their verified agents to avoid cons.
Beyond the Fine: The Kenyan Demerit Points System
This is where many drivers get a nasty surprise. Since 2023, NTSA’s demerit points system is fully active. Every traffic offense doesn’t just cost you money; it earns you penalty points on your license.
For example, speeding might get you 6 points. Driving without a license could be 10 points. Once you accumulate 13 points, your driving license is suspended for 3 months. Hit 39 points? Your license is cancelled, and you must restart the entire driving school process.
Local Authority Reference: You can check your demerit points status anytime on the official NTSA Tims portal. This is a game-changer. It means habitual offenders, especially in the matatu and boda boda sectors, can’t just pay fines and keep being a menace. Their livelihood is on the line.
How to Pay Your NTSA Fine in Kenya
Got a ticket? Don’t ignore it. The process is now mostly digital. Here’s the simplest way to clear it:
- Check the Fine: The officer should give you a notification. You can also check on the ecitizen platform under the NTSA service.
- Pay via M-Pesa: Go to M-Pesa, select Paybill. Use business number 222222. The Account Number is your National ID number or the fine reference number.
- Confirm: Keep the confirmation message. Your clearance on the system can take a few hours.
Avoid paying cash directly to an officer unless you get an official receipt on the spot. Always insist on the legal process to avoid bribes and double payments.
Conclusion
Knowing the 5 most common traffic offenses and their NTSA fines is your first line of defense on Kenyan roads. It’s not just about avoiding a KES 500 or KES 10,000 penalty; it’s about keeping your license active and, more importantly, keeping yourself and others safe.
The rules are clear, and with the new demerit points system, the stakes are higher than ever. Make sure your documents are valid, buckle up, put the phone down, and watch your speed. Drive smart, save your money, and live to drive another day.
