New Speed Limits & Traffic fines for Motorists in Uganda
If you plan to rent a car at Entebbe Airport and self-drive in Uganda, this article is for you. We highlight and break down the newly introduced speed limits for all motorists in Uganda plus the penalties you may face if you are found violating the road traffic rules. Everything was revised and implemented by the ministry of works in coordination with Uganda police.
With the need to reduce on the multiple fatal road accidents on most roads in the country especially the highways, the responsible authorities took a decision to introduce the penalties that are usually issued automatically by the installed traffic cameras managed by the intelligent transport monitoring system.
They aimed to discipline the drivers and this will force them to maintain a minimum speed while using the roads. The rampant accidents on most roads in the various regions of the nation are caused by careless bus, taxi drones and truck drivers.
It is very important to know these new rules and fines. They apply to all road users like car drivers, and motorcyclists. Pedestrians are excluded. Below is the detailed information.
All drivers are advised to keep a maximum speed of 30KM/hr. for urban roads and a maximum of 50KM/hr. for highways that traverse through urban areas. In the rural areas, the maximum speed is 90KM/hr. for paved roads, 60KM/hr. for gravel roads and 30KM/hr. for community access roads.
The maximum driving speed for the Expressway and dual carriageways is 100KM/hr. but for the Northern bypass it is reduced to 70KM/hr. due to the urban environment.
In conclusion, while driving in Kampala city and other major towns around the country, you should not exceed the 30KM/hr. Failure to follow these limits, you are exposed to these penalties. If you are found exceeding the limit between 1-30KM/hr. the fine is 200,000 UGX. Then those exceeding the limit beyond 30KM/hr. the fine is 600,000 UGX.
These fines are issued by a roadside traffic camera. The most dangerous camera is in Katabi – Kitubulu. The notification of issued ticket is sent to the email of the car owner with a screenshot that shows details like the car number plate, amount to be paid, name of the owner, place and time when it was issued. Traffic cameras are now everywhere in the various parts of the country.
You are required to clear this ticket within 72hours from the time when it was issued to the vehicle. Failure to clear it within this period of time, it is accumulated with an addition of 50% of its normal amount. For example, the 200,000 UGX ticket grows to 300,000 UGX and the 600,000 UGX ticket accumulates to 900,000 Uganda shillings. Be sure to pay before it expires to avoid unnecessary extra charges.
Here are the more penalties introduced for road traffic violators.
Driving while using your mobile phone – 2,000,000 Uganda shillings
Failure to wear the seat belt – 80,000 Uganda shillings
Drunk driving – 500,000 UGX
Causing injury or death due to careless driving – 1,500,000 UGX to 4,000,000 UGX and imprisonment up to 5 years.
Using uninsured or unlicensed vehicle – 200,000 to 600,000 UGX
Careless driving – 1.5 to 4 million UGX
Driving a car without a photocopy of its registration book – 40,000 UGX
Our advice to foreign drivers
If you have a rented car and plan to drop it off at Entebbe Airport for your departure flight, be sure to reserve enough time for travelling from your location to the Airport. Rushing may force you to over speed and this will expose you to the express penalty tickets.
Remember you have to be at the Airport for check in three hours before the departure time of your flight. For those coming from Kampala, reserve about 2 hours for your ride to the EBB Airport. Avoid over speeding, reach safely and EPS ticket free.
