Self Drive Uganda – New Traffic Rules and Fine

Are you planning to go on a self-driving tour in Uganda? Do you know the new traffic rules and fines in place? Before embarking on a road trip to any destination in Uganda, first, you must have a deep insight into the current traffic rules and fines. The Uganda Police has issued a fresh warning to all road users in Uganda. The new traffic rules and fines must be taken into consideration.

The key areas of concern include speeding, something you must consider when slowing down. As per the new traffic rules, you are expected to maintain a maximum speed limit of 30km/h when in urban centers. While on the highways passing through urban areas, you can keep the speed within 50km/h, and this applies to vehicles and motorcycles.

The speed limits for visitors driving on paved roads should be kept within 30km/h and 90km/h. The speed limit may vary depending on the car classification. Motorcycles are expected to maintain the speed limit of 60km/h. While traveling on gravel routes, cars should maintain the speed limit range of 30km/h to 60 km/h. The motorcycles on gravel must keep a limit of not beyond 30km/h.

Driving through the community access routes now requires road users to keep the speed limit of 30km/h, and this applies to all cars. When driving on the expressways and dual carriageways, ensure that you keep the speed limit from 40km/h to 100km/h. This should also depend on the kind of vehicle.

What happens when you exceed the speed limit?

Persons who go against the stipulated rules face a punishable offense and can be held liable upon conviction. It is therefore essential to promote road safety for all, and this should be the responsibility of everyone on the road. There are benefits of driving at a slow speed, and most important of all is reduces road accidents and saves lives. Complying with the new traffic rules and regulations can save you from the fines imposed on those who go against the laws.

Fines as per the new traffic rules

As per the new rules and regulations for road traffic, a motorist who exceeds the prescribed speed limit in excess of 1 km to 30 km/h shall be fined UGX 200,000($56). A motorist who exceeds the prescribed speed limit by over 30km/h shall incur a fine of 600,000($166).

A sedan car driver who takes off at the speed limit of 91km/h and 120km/h on a paved highway route that is more than 30km from the speed limit of 90km/h shall incur a fine of UGX 200,000 ($56). In case a sedan driver is above the speed limit of 121km on paved highways or spots, he or she shall be fined UGX 600,000($166). This is because he or she exceeded the speed limit by more than 30km/h.

The new developments arise following a statutory instrument issued by the Minister of Works and Transport, also referred to as the Traffic and Road Safety (Prescription of Speed Limits) Regulations, that lowered the speed limits of motor cars, more so those considered to be high contributors to road accidents in the country.

The speed limits on urban routes apply to all categories of cars and were lowered to 30km/h from 50km/h. According to the revised Express Penalty Scheme (EPS), there are also penalties for tampering with or interfering with the functioning of an electronic device installed in a motor vehicle, and the fine is UGX 100,000.

Note that the current fines also come with a mandatory court appearance and potential suspension of the driver’s license. The fine range for careless driving is UGX 1.2 to 1.8m or 2-3 years in prison.

 

Additional Traffic Rules in Uganda

• Drive on the left side of the road (as per Uganda standards).
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants in front & back.
• Use of mobile phones is 100% prohibited.
• Driving under the influence is illegal and attracts penalties plus imprisonment.
• Report any road accident to the nearby police.
• Children below 12 years shouldn’t sit in the front seat and must use child restraints and seatbelts.
• Overloading isn’t allowed.
• Use a valid driving license.
• Obey all road signs, markings, and signals.