Shs100,000 for driving while on phone

The new regulations that take effect today, will see drivers tested and given badges, while drunk-driving will see drivers part with a Shs200,000 as fine.

Kampala

If you are one of those drivers fond of making or receiving phone calls while driving, you may want to reconsider the habit or have Shs100,000 in your pocket. And if your seatbelts are faulty, it is time to fix them or else you will be made to part with a Shs80,000 fine when caught.

In the new statutory instrument issued by the Minister of Transport and Works, traffic offenders given Express Penalty Scheme tickets but fail to pay within 28 days will pay a surcharge of 50 per cent to Uganda Revenue Authority.

According to the deputy police spokesperson, Mr Patrick Onyango, enforcement of the new traffic regulations published in the Uganda Gazette will go on as announced by the head of traffic police two weeks ago. “Our work is to enforce what the minister approved. So we are starting on Wednesday,” Mr Onyango said yesterday.

In the new regulations, drunk-drivers will be fined Shs200,000 but police said the fine does not rule out detention for up to 12 hours until the driver sobers up. Before the new instrument, drunk-drivers were arrested and arraigned in court where they were fined between Shs400,000 and Shs1.2 million or sentenced to imprisonment for not less than six months but not exceeding two years or both.

While drivers found not wearing seatbelt will pay Shs80,000, passengers who do not wear seatbelts will also be given EPS tickets of Shs20,000. Senior Traffic Commissioner Steven Kasiima said the new rules are meant to reduce inconveniences caused to errant motorists when they have committed minor traffic offences.

The second regulation on driving tests and special provisions expects drivers of public service vehicles and vehicles carrying goods, including boda boda riders, to have badges.

In the process of acquiring badges, the drivers will be tested by police officers to ascertain their driving competence and criminal record. The badge, which will be issued free of charge may be withdrawn in case of an accident.

By yesterday, several drivers had not submitted their driving permits for verification for badges.

The new driving penalties

Offences Fines Old Fines
Driving uninsured vehicle Shs40,000 Shs40,000
Car with obscure registration numbers Shs40,000 Shs40,000
Driving without valid permit Shs100,000 Shs40,000
Permitting driving without valid permit Shs100,000 Shs60,000
Using a goods vehicle in dangerous manner Shs200,000 Shs40,000
Carrying passengers when not licensed Shs100,000 Shs40,000
Using licence in breach of that issued Shs200,000 Shs60,000
Using vehicle in bad condition Shs60,000 Shs50,000
Driving under the influence of alcohol Shs200,000 Nil
Careless or inconsiderate driving Shs100,000 Shs40,000
Driving in excess speed Shs200,000 Shs100,000
Denying right of way to authorised vehicles Shs100,000 Shs100,000
Failing to stop at a railway crossing Shs40,000 Shs50,000
Carrying more than one on motorcycle Shs100,000 Shs20,000
Obstructing a road or waiting Shs100,000 Nil
Riding motorcycle without a valid permit Shs40,000 Nil
Riding motorcycle without a crash helmet Shs40,000 Nil
Driver not wearing a safety belt Shs80,000 Nil
Passenger not wearing a safety belt Shs20,000 Nil
Using a mobile phone while driving Shs100,000 Nil
Use of vehicle without reflectors Shs100,000 Nil
Driving a PSV without a badge Shs200,000 Nil
Instructing without a valid certificate Shs200,000 Nil

abagala@ug.nationmedia.com