Kigali, Rwanda – Rwanda’s Parliament has passed a far-reaching new road traffic law, replacing legislation that had governed road use for nearly four decades and was widely considered outdated.
The law was adopted on January 5, 2026, by all 77 Members of Parliament present during a plenary session, following a full day of article-by-article scrutiny and debate.
It marks a decisive shift toward modern, technology-driven traffic management and tougher sanctions aimed at reducing accidents, fatalities, and reckless behaviour on the country’s roads.
The new legislation repeals Law No. 34/1987 of September 17, 1987, which had remained largely unchanged despite major transformations in Rwanda’s transport sector.
Over the years, the old framework struggled to keep pace with increased motorization, commercial transport, and emerging road safety risks.
Although it was supplemented by presidential decrees and ministerial orders on traffic police operations, driving licenses, and vehicle inspections, gaps persisted, particularly in enforcement, penalties, and the integration of modern technology.
According to the government, the revised law is designed to align road traffic regulation with Rwanda’s development ambitions by prioritizing transparency, accountability, and public safety.
It introduces a merit and demerit point system intended to reward responsible driving while penalizing repeated violations.
Authorities believe this system will help change driver behaviour over time, moving beyond fines alone toward a culture of compliance and responsibility on the roads.
The new law provides for the use of tools such as speed cameras, breathalyzers, and a digital driving license management system to improve enforcement and reduce human discretion.
It also strengthens oversight of driving schools and clarifies procedures for driving tests, addressing long-standing concerns about driver training standards and competence.
Traffic offences will now be comprehensively regulated under the road traffic law itself, while a ministerial order will detail specific administrative faults, fines, and behavioral points.
One of the most significant aspects of the law is its stricter approach to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Any driver found exceeding the legal blood alcohol limit commits an offence and faces heavy fines and possible imprisonment.
Penalties are particularly severe for drivers operating public transport vehicles, carrying students, workers, tourists, or heavy cargo, or driving for commercial purposes, reflecting the heightened risk posed to public safety.
Drivers whose blood alcohol level is at least twice the legal limit face even harsher sanctions, and repeat offenders within one year may receive the maximum penalty, which can be doubled.
The law also criminalizes refusal to undergo alcohol testing, treating it as an offence punishable by substantial fines and potential jail terms. Lawmakers argued that without such provisions, enforcement would be weakened and dangerous drivers could evade accountability.
In the same spirit, refusal to stop when ordered by a police officer or authorized official is now a criminal offence, carrying fines and imprisonment, a move intended to deter reckless conduct and protect both law enforcement officers and other road users.
Driving without a valid license has similarly been addressed, with custodial sentences and fines introduced to discourage unqualified drivers from using public roads. For less serious administrative offences, the law establishes a clear payment and enforcement process.
Offenders must pay fines within 30 days of notification, with a 30 percent surcharge applied for late payment and vehicle impoundment for continued non-compliance.
At the same time, the law preserves the right to appeal, allowing drivers or vehicle owners to challenge offences, with cases considered void if no response is provided within the legally prescribed timeframe.
Although some legislators raised concerns about custodial sentences, arguing that fines and license suspensions could be more appropriate, parliamentary leaders maintained that the severity of penalties reflects the serious consequences of traffic violations.
They stressed that the objective is to change attitudes toward road use and protect human life, not simply to punish offenders.
Infrastructure Minister Jimmy Gasore said the new law is expected to modernize and standardize traffic management, improve driver discipline, and significantly enhance road safety nationwide.
Once published in the Official Gazette, it will become enforceable, ushering in a new era of stricter, smarter, and more accountable road traffic regulation in Rwanda.
