Kenyans online have been sharing a message on how to avoid arrests in the event of forgetting to carry a driving licence (DL).
According to the message which has been shared on various platforms, people were advised to send a message to 22846 to get their details.
Upon receiving the details, one can show the officer for verification and evade arrest.
[caption caption="A screenshot of directions on how to avoid arrest"]
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Kenyans.co.ke has established that some of the information shared in the message is incorrect.
Sending a message to 22846 will enable one to get verification of the status of the DL details but it is not a substitute for the Driving License itself.
[caption caption="A message from NTSA giving details of Driving License"]
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According to the Traffic Act, motorists will be fined Kshs 1,000 for failing to carry and produce a driving licence on demand.
A sentiment that was reiterated by an NTSA official who stated that; "You will definitely be arrested and fined. You must carry and produce (the DL) at all times."
The Act outlines a number of offences against the penalties of how much you will pay if found guilty.
1. Driving without identification plates affixed or plates not fixed in the prescribed manner - Kshs.10,000
2. Driving a vehicle without a valid inspection certificate inspected - Kshs.10,000
3. Driving without a valid driving license endorsement in respect of the class of vehicle - Kshs.3,000
4. Failure to renew a driving License - Kshs.1,000
5. Driving a PSV while being unqualified - Kshs.5,000
6. Exceeding speed limit prescribed for the class of vehicle. By 1-5 kph - Warning By 6-10 kph - 500 By 11 -15 kph - 3,000 By 16-20 kph - Kshs10,000
7. Failure of a driver to stop when required to do so by a police officer in uniform. - Kshs.5000
8. Causing obstruction by allowing a vehicle to remain in any position on the road so as to obstructing or causing inconvenience or to other traffic using the road. - Kshs.10,000
9. Driving a vehicle on a footpath - Kshs.5,000
10. Failure to refund fare paid for an incomplete portion of the journey for which full fare has been paid - Kshs. 3000
11. Motorcycle rider riding without protective gear - Kshs.1,000
[caption caption="A section of the Traffic Act showing offences and penalties "]
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