NTSA Introduces New Instant Fine System For Minor Traffic Offences Starting June 2026

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced a major change in the handling of minor traffic offences, with motorists set to pay fines without making mandatory court appearances beginning June 1, 2026.

In a statement released on Thursday, May 28, NTSA said the new framework is aimed at easing congestion in courts, improving efficiency in traffic law enforcement, and providing motorists with a more convenient process for resolving minor traffic violations.

Under the revised system, motorists who commit specified minor offences will first receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence. The notification will inform drivers of the offence committed and provide them with options on how to proceed.

According to NTSA, motorists will no longer be automatically required to appear before a magistrate for such offences. Instead, they may choose to admit liability and pay the prescribed fine within a stipulated period or challenge the accusation through the court process.

“Motorists who commit certain minor traffic offences will no longer need to appear in court immediately. Instead, they may receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence,” the statement from NTSA read in part.

The authority explained that the new approach was developed following extensive consultations with key government agencies, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the National Police Service (NPS).

NTSA Director General said the reforms are intended to create a balanced enforcement mechanism that protects motorists’ rights while ensuring accountability on Kenyan roads. The changes are also expected to reduce the burden on the judiciary by limiting the number of minor traffic cases handled in courtrooms daily.

“Upon receiving a notice, motorists have two options: they may admit liability and pay the prescribed fine within the stipulated period, or they may dispute the allegation in court. If the motorist chooses to pay the fine, the matter can be settled without the need for a court appearance,” NTSA stated.

The authority further clarified that motorists who choose to contest the charges will still retain their constitutional right to a fair hearing before a court of law.

The announcement comes exactly one month after NTSA suspended the initial rollout of the instant fines management system on March 28, 2026. The earlier attempt to introduce the system faced sharp criticism from members of the public, civil society groups, and legal experts, who raised concerns over legality, transparency, and the possibility of abuse.

Several lawsuits were subsequently filed challenging the implementation of the system, forcing the authority to halt the rollout temporarily and engage stakeholders in consultations before introducing the revised framework.

The new changes are now expected to mark a significant shift in Kenya’s traffic management system, especially in the handling of minor offences such as failure to wear seat belts, minor parking violations, and other non-serious infractions that traditionally required court attendance.

Road safety stakeholders have welcomed the move cautiously, with some arguing that the system could save motorists time and reduce unnecessary legal processes if implemented transparently. However, others have urged NTSA to ensure there are clear safeguards to prevent corruption, wrongful penalties, and misuse of the digital enforcement system.

NTSA has assured the public that further details, including the list of offences covered under the new framework and payment procedures, will be communicated ahead of the June 1 implementation date.

The authority also encouraged motorists to familiarize themselves with traffic regulations and comply with road safety measures to avoid penalties under the updated enforcement regime.

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