Why NTSA Fines Were Updated
The National Transport and Safety Authority(NTSA) updated Kenya’s traffic fines and penalties to:
- Reduce the high number of road accidents in Kenya
- Create stronger consequences for dangerous driving habits
- Bring Kenya’s road safety laws in line with international standards
- Reduce corruption at roadside checkpoints by using fixed, published penalties
Understanding these fines is not just about avoiding money loss; it is about protecting your life and the lives of others on the road.
NTSA Traffic Offences and Fines in 2026
| Traffic Offence | Penalty / Fine | Additional Consequences |
| Speeding – exceeding limit by 1–20 km/h | KES 10,000 | Warning on licence |
| Speeding – exceeding limit by 21–50 km/h | KES 20,000 | Licence suspension risk |
| Speeding – exceeding limit by 50+ km/h | KES 50,000+ | Court appearance required |
| Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | KES 100,000 or 3 years jail | Licence cancellation |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | KES 10,000 | Vehicle impound possible |
| Driving without a valid licence | KES 50,000 | Arrest and court appearance |
| Driving with an expired licence | KES 10,000 | Immediate prohibition |
| Driving without insurance (no sticker) | KES 100,000 | Vehicle impound |
| Overloading a vehicle (passengers) | KES 20,000 | Per extra passenger |
| Overloading (cargo/weight) | KES 200,000+ | Varies by excess weight |
| Failure to wear a seatbelt | KES 1,000 per person | Driver liable for all passengers |
| Child not in car seat | KES 5,000 | Driver’s responsibility |
| Jumping a red light | KES 10,000 | Licence demerit points |
| Reckless or dangerous driving | KES 50,000 or 1 year jail | Possible ban from driving |
| Failure to stop at accident scene | KES 50,000 or 3 years jail | Criminal offence |
| Driving a vehicle without inspection (inspection sticker) | KES 5,000 | Vehicle grounded |
| Driving without a road licence (road tax) | KES 20,000 | Vehicle impound |
| Illegal parking | KES 2,000–5,000 | Clamping or towing |
| Driving without lights at night | KES 5,000 | Vehicle may be stopped |
| PSV operating without proper licence | KES 50,000 | Suspension of route |
| Driving without headrests or functional seatbelts | KES 5,000 | Immediate stop |
| Boda boda rider without helmet | KES 3,000 | Bike grounded |
| Boda boda passenger without helmet | KES 2,000 | Rider is liable |
| Overtaking at a pedestrian crossing | KES 10,000 | Dangerous driving charge |
| Tinted windows without permit | KES 20,000 | Tint removal ordered |
Fines are subject to revision. Always check the latest NTSA notices at ntsa.go.ke for the most current figures.
The Most Common Offences Explained
1. Speeding
Speeding is the number one cause of road accidents in Kenya. NTSA uses speed cameras, laser speed guns, and police radar to catch offenders.
What counts as speeding:
- In towns: anything above 50 km/h
- On highways: anything above 100 km/h for private cars
- In school zones: anything above 30 km/h
How to avoid it:
- Always check the speed limit signs when entering a new area
- Use your speedometer
- Slow down before approaching speed cameras (you will often see warning signs)
2. Drunk Driving (DUI)
This is one of Kenya’s most serious traffic offences. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08% (80mg per 100ml of blood).
Real consequences of DUI:
- Fine of up to KES 100,000
- Up to 3 years in prison
- Your driving licence is cancelled
- Your name may appear in public records
How to avoid it:
- If you plan to drink, plan how you will get home before you go out
- Use Uber, Bolt, or a designated driver
- Remember: even “just two beers” can push you over the legal limit
3. Using a Mobile Phone While Driving
NTSA officers and traffic cameras now actively watch for phone use while driving. This includes texting, scrolling, and even holding the phone.
Fine: KES 10,000 per offence
How to avoid it:
- Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or silent before you start driving
- If you must make a call, pull over safely first
- Use a hands-free Bluetooth device, this is legal
4. No Seatbelt
Every person in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt in the front and back seats.
- Driver and front passenger: KES 1,000 each
- Back seat passengers: KES 1,000 each (driver is responsible)
- Children under 12 must use a proper child seat
How to avoid it:
- Make it a habit – buckle up before you start the engine
- Remind all passengers, including adults in the back seat
- Children must be in a proper child seat, not sitting on a lap
5. Driving Without Insurance
Third-party insurance is a legal requirement for all vehicles on Kenyan roads. Driving without a valid insurance sticker is a criminal offence, not just a traffic one.
Fine: KES 100,000 + vehicle impound
How to avoid it:
- Renew your insurance before it expires
- Keep your insurance certificate in the vehicle at all times
- Do not trust fake stickers; use registered insurance companies only
6. Overloading
For PSV operators and truck drivers, overloading is one of the most common and most expensive offences.
Passenger overloading:
- Every extra passenger above the licensed capacity = KES 20,000
- A 14-seater matatu with 20 passengers = 6 extra × KES 20,000 = KES 120,000 fine
Cargo overloading:
- Fines start at KES 200,000 and increase based on excess weight
- Vehicle may be grounded until load is reduced
Special Rules for Boda Boda Riders – Motorcycle Taxis
Boda boda riders are among the most fined road users in Kenya. Here is what every rider and passenger should know:
| Offence | Fine |
| Riding without a helmet | KES 3,000 |
| Passenger without a helmet | KES 2,000 (rider pays) |
| Riding without a valid licence | KES 50,000 |
| Carrying more than one passenger | KES 10,000 |
| No reflector jacket at night | KES 2,000 |
| Operating without a registration plate | KES 20,000 |
PSV (Matatu and Bus) Regulations
If you are a matatu or bus operator, these rules apply specifically to you:
- No tout harassing passengers – KES 50,000 fine
- Playing loud music above the limit – KES 5,000
- Picking or dropping passengers in prohibited areas – KES 5,000
- No speed governor fitted -Vehicle grounded immediately
- No CCTV camera inside PSV – KES 100,000 fine
How to Avoid NTSA Fines
- Always carry your driving licence – keep it in your wallet, not at home
- Renew everything on time – insurance, road licence, and inspection sticker
- Wear your seatbelt every single trip, even for short distances
- Put your phone away before you start the engine
- Know the speed limit for every road you drive on
- Never drink and drive – arrange transport in advance
- Do not overload your vehicle with passengers or goods
- Keep your vehicle roadworthy – working lights, brakes, and tyres
- Use indicators properly when turning or changing lanes
- Respect pedestrians – stop at zebra crossings
Conclusion
NTSA fines in 2026 are stricter than ever, and they are enforced more effectively than before.
If you drive responsibly, you will never pay a single fine.
The rules exist to protect you, your passengers, and everyone else sharing the road.
Drive right. Drive safe. Arrive alive.