You’re cruising down Uhuru Highway, heading home after a long day. Suddenly, you see the blue NTSA reflector jackets ahead. Your heart skips a beat. Do you have all your car documents? That simple traffic stop can turn into a major headache, a fine, or even an arrest if you’re missing just one paper. Knowing what to carry is your first line of defence.
This guide breaks down the 7 documents you must carry in your car to stay on the right side of the law. We’re talking about the exact papers NTSA and traffic police will ask for. No theory, just practical info you can use today to drive with confidence and avoid an NTSA arrest.
The 7 Must-Have Documents to Avoid an NTSA Arrest
Forget the rumours and hearsay. The law is clear. According to the Traffic Act and NTSA regulations, these are the seven non-negotiable items that should be in your glove compartment or a safe folder in your car. Missing any one of them is an open invitation for trouble.
1. Your Original Driving License
This is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people drive with a photocopy or a photo on their phone. That won’t cut it. You must have the original, physical, valid driving license issued by NTSA. The smart copy is the standard now. Ensure the categories on it match the vehicle you’re driving. Driving a matatu with a Class B (car) license? That’s a direct ticket to a court date.
If you’ve lost it, apply for a duplicate immediately at an NTSA office or via the eCitizen portal. Don’t risk it. A traffic officer on Mombasa Road will not accept “Nimeiweka nyumbani” as an excuse.
2. Original Logbook (Certificate of Ownership)
The logbook, officially the Certificate of Ownership, is the birth certificate of your car. It proves you are the legal owner or are authorized to use the vehicle. The police or NTSA officer will check this to confirm the vehicle isn’t stolen and that the details match the number plates.
Always carry the original logbook. A copy is not legally acceptable for a traffic stop. Keep it in a protective sleeve to prevent wear and tear. If you’re still paying off a loan from a bank like NCBA or KCB, the bank holds the original. In that case, you must carry a notarized copy from the bank – don’t leave without it.
3. Valid Insurance Sticker (Certificate of Insurance)
There are two parts to this: the physical sticker on your windscreen and the insurance certificate. Both are mandatory. The sticker shows you have current third-party cover at the very minimum. The certificate has the crucial details.
Check the expiry date every time you renew. An expired sticker is an easy spot for an officer at a roadblock on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway. Buy your insurance from reputable companies like Directline, APA, or CIC. Keep the certificate with your other documents.
4. Inspection Certificate (MOT) – The “Road Worthy” Badge
This is the blue certificate you get after your car passes inspection at a licensed garage like DT Dobie, Car Inspection Limited, or any other NTSA-approved centre. It confirms your car is mechanically sound and safe for our roads.
The certificate is valid for one year for private cars and six months for commercial vehicles. Driving with an expired inspection sticker is a common offence. Schedule your inspection a month before it expires to avoid a last-minute rush and a potential NTSA arrest.
5. Copy of Your ID (National Identity Card)
Your driving license has your details, but carrying a copy of your National ID is an extra layer of verification that traffic authorities can ask for. It helps quickly confirm your identity against the license and logbook details.
We recommend a clear, laminated photocopy. Don’t carry the original ID unless necessary for other reasons—losing that is a bigger hassle. This simple copy can speed up the verification process and get you on your way faster.
6. Proof of PIN (KRA PIN Certificate)
This one catches many people off guard. Your KRA PIN certificate is required for any motor vehicle transaction. During a stop, an officer might request it to verify the ownership details align with KRA records, especially for company cars.
Have a printed copy of your PIN certificate in your document folder. You can easily download and print it from the iTax portal. For company vehicles, carry a copy of the business PIN and a letter of authorization if you’re not the registered owner.
7. NTSA Digital Search Certificate (For Used Cars)
This is the secret weapon for anyone who bought a used car. Before purchase, you must do an NTSA digital search online (costs about KES 500) to confirm there’s no loan (logbook not held by a bank), no court order, and that the seller is the genuine owner.
Keep a printout of this search certificate in your car. It’s your proof that you did due diligence. If the previous owner had unsettled issues, this document can help show you acted in good faith, potentially saving you from a wrongful NTSA arrest and the nightmare of a car being impounded.
Kenyan-Specific Tips: Beat the Roadblock Stress
Knowing the documents is one thing. Navigating the real-world application on Kenyan roads is another. Here’s the local context you need.
First, organisation is key. Don’t have papers flying in the glovebox. Buy a simple, cheap document holder from a stationery shop in town or from a supermarket like Naivas or Carrefour for about KES 200-500. Keep all seven documents in it, and place it in an easy-to-reach spot. When asked for your papers, hand over the whole folder. It looks professional and speeds things up.
Second, understand the seasons of crackdowns. NTSA and traffic police often intensify operations (“crackdowns”) during festive seasons (Christmas, Easter), at the start of school terms, and sometimes during the long rains when accidents spike. Be extra vigilant during these periods. Ensure your insurance and inspection are up-to-date before these high-risk times.
On pricing: A duplicate driving license costs KES 1,050 on eCitizen. The mandatory motor vehicle inspection will cost you between KES 1,500 and KES 2,500 at most centres, depending on the vehicle class. Third-party insurance starts from as low as KES 5,000 per year for small cars, but comprehensive is highly recommended. Budget for these annually to avoid being caught off guard.
What Happens If You’re Missing a Document?
Let’s be real, mistakes happen. If you’re stopped and lack a document, stay calm and polite. Arguing with an officer at a roadblock near Mlolongo or on Thika Road will only make things worse.
For a missing license or logbook, you’re likely looking at a fine (often on-the-spot, though this is illegal) or having your car towed to the station. The official fine for not carrying a license is up to KES 10,000 or imprisonment. For no insurance, the fine can go up to KES 50,000. The real cost is the inconvenience and time wasted at the police station.
Your best bet is to always have a digital backup. Take clear photos or scans of all your documents and store them securely on your phone (like in a secure folder). While not a legal replacement for originals, it can sometimes help demonstrate you own them and are merely without the physical copy that day.
Final Word: Drive Safe, Drive Legal
An NTSA arrest or a prolonged police stop is more than just a fine; it’s wasted time, stress, and a mark on your record. The solution is simple: get organised. The 7 documents you must carry in your car are your legal shield. Make it a habit this weekend. Get that folder, gather all the papers, and put them in your car. It’s a one-time task that saves you endless potential drama.
Your call to action is simple: Before you drive another kilometre, check your glovebox. Do you have all seven? If not, sort it out now. Share this list with your family and friends—let’s all drive smarter and safer. Got a roadblock story or a tip? Drop it in the comments below.
