Motorists could part with thousands of shillings this festive season for seemingly minor traffic violations that many drivers overlook on Kenyan roads.
The Traffic (Minor Offenses) Rules, 2016 outlines a comprehensive list of penalties that could see unsuspecting drivers dig deep into their pockets during the busy holiday travel period.
Simple mistakes like forgetting your driving license at home will cost you Ksh 1,000, while driving without valid identification plates could set you back a hefty Ksh 10,000.
Operating a vehicle without a valid inspection certificate attracts an equally steep penalty of Ksh 10,000.
Speed demons face escalating fines depending on how much they exceed the limit, with penalties ranging from warnings to substantial fines.
Drivers exceeding the speed limit by 1-5 kph will receive a warning, 6-10 kph over incurs a Ksh 500 fine, and 11-15 kph above attracts a Ksh 3,000 penalty.
Motorists caught driving 16-20 kph above the speed limit will face the highest fine of Ksh 10,000.
PSV drivers and conductors face particularly strict regulations during this busy travel season, with multiple offenses carrying significant penalties.
Failure of a PSV driver or conductor to wear special badge and uniform attracts a Ksh 2,000 fine.
Touting, a common sight at bus stops, costs offenders Ksh 3,000, while PSV operators with tinted windows face similar penalties.
Motorcycle riders and their passengers must both wear protective gear or face Ksh 1,000 fines each.
Using your phone while driving costs Ksh 2,000, while not wearing a seat belt attracts a Ksh 500 fine for drivers and passengers.
Driving on or through a pavement or a pedestrian walkway will cost you Ksh 5,000 reflecting the seriousness of endangering pedestrians.
Vehicle owners who fail to install proper seat belts face Ksh 1,000 penalties for every seat that isn't fitted correctly.
Even passengers aren't exempt from the rules - alighting from a matatu at an unauthorized stop costs Ksh 1,000, while pedestrians who willfully obstruct traffic face Ksh 500 fines.
PSV owners face some of the steepest penalties, with employing unlicensed drivers or conductors attracting Ksh 10,000 fines.
Failure to obey police directions, ignoring traffic signs, or failing to stop when required each attract Ksh 3,000 to Ksh 5,000 in penalties.
Traffic obstruction by leaving a vehicle in a position that inconveniences other road users costs Ksh 10,000, one of the highest penalties listed.
Learner drivers must display 'L' plates on both front and rear of vehicles or face Ksh 1,000 fines.
Other notable offenses include failing to carry reflective triangles (Ksh 3,000), motorcycles carrying more than one pillion passenger (Ksh 1,000), and PSVs without functional fire extinguishers (Ksh 2,000).
Vehicles must also have fitted speed governors, with failure to comply attracting Ksh 10,000 penalties for PSVs and commercial vehicles.
Driving without a valid driving license endorsement for your vehicle class costs Ksh 3,000, while unqualified PSV drivers face Ksh 5,000 fines.
With increased traffic enforcement during the holiday season and more vehicles on the road, staying informed about these regulations could save motorists from unexpected expenses that could dampen their festive celebrations.
These fines are applicable nationwide and will be enforced by traffic police across Kenya.
