The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) rolled out a new enforcement framework for minor traffic offenses effective 1 June 2026.
The system is based on Section 117 of the Traffic Act and the Traffic (Minor Offenses) Rules, 2016, and aims to standardize the handling of minor violations across Kenya.
“The minor traffic offenses which may be dealt with and prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of section 117 of the Act shall be those specified in the First Schedule,” the NTSA legal notice read in part.
NTSA Legal Notice On Minor Offenses
Under the new framework, motorists who admit liability can settle prescribed fines without appearing in court for minor offenses.
Offenders receive Police Notification of Traffic Offense through SMS, email, physical notice, or other digital channels.
NTSA further detailed that the system provides two main options after notification: paying the fine within the stipulated deadline or contesting the offense in court.
Also Read: NTSA Explains Choices Drivers Will Have After Receiving a Traffic Violation Notification
Failure to pay within the required period may result in escalation to court, higher penalties, and possible demerit points on a driver’s license.
Enforcement applies to offenses detected by either traffic police officers or automated monitoring systems, such as cameras.
The framework is designed to improve compliance, streamline enforcement processes, and enhance accountability on the roads.
The NTSA notice covers common road offenses such as driving without plates, driving without a valid inspection certificate, speeding, failing to obey police or traffic signs, obstruction, PSV offenses, seatbelt violations, and motorcycle safety breaches.
It also includes the procedure for a motorist to admit or deny a charge and notes that bail, where applicable, must match the statutory penalty and cannot be paid in hard cash.
Full List of NTSA Minor Traffic Offenses and Penalty Fines
Also Read: NTSA Explains Details That Will Appear in Traffic Violation Notices
| Category | Offence | Penalty (KSh) |
| Main Offenses | Driving without identification plates/plates not fixed properly | 10,000 |
| Driving without a valid inspection certificate | 10,000 | |
| Driving without valid license endorsement for vehicle class | 3,000 | |
| Failure to renew driving licence | 1,000 | |
| Driving a PSV while unqualified | 5,000 | |
| Failing to carry and produce driving licence on demand | 1,000 | |
| Driving on pavement or pedestrian walkway | 5,000 | |
| Failure to obey police officer’s directions | 3,000 | |
| Failure to conform to traffic signs | 3,000 | |
| Failure to stop when ordered by police officer | 5,000 | |
| Causing obstruction on the road | 10,000 | |
| Failure to display reflective triangles/lifesavers when obstructing road | 3,000 | |
| Motorcyclist carrying more than one pillion passenger | 1,000 | |
| PSV & Passenger Offenses | Unlicensed person driving or acting as PSV conductor | 5,000 |
| PSV owner/operator employing unlicensed driver or conductor | 10,000 | |
| Failure to refund fare for incomplete journey | 3,000 | |
| Touting | 3,000 | |
| PSV driver/conductor failing to wear badge and uniform | 2,000 | |
| PSV driven by unauthorized person | 3,000 | |
| PSV driver allowing unauthorized person to drive | 3,000 | |
| Learner failing to display “L” plates | 1,000 | |
| Safety & Equipment Offenses | Seatbelt not fitted properly by vehicle owner | 1,000 per seat |
| Failure to wear seatbelt while vehicle is moving | 500 | |
| PSV conductor failing to keep seatbelts wearable | 500 | |
| Failure to carry reflective/warning signs (lifesavers) | 2,000 | |
| Failure to fit speed governor in PSV/commercial vehicle | 10,000 | |
| PSV with tinted windows or windscreen | 3,000 | |
| PSV without functional fire extinguisher/fire kit | 2,000 | |
| Driver using mobile phone while vehicle is in motion | 2,000 | |
| Matatu/omnibus picking or dropping passengers at unauthorized place | 3,000 | |
| Passenger boarding/alighting at unauthorized place | 1,000 | |
| Travelling with part of body outside moving vehicle | 1,000 |
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