In 2025, Uganda has taken a bold step toward improving road safety by implementing a new set of traffic rules and penalties under the amended Traffic and Road Safety Act. These changes aim to reduce road accidents, improve driver behaviour, and enhance traffic enforcement nationwide. Whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, understanding these rules is essential, and below is

	Offenses	Fine (UGX)	Imprisonment
1	Careless Driving	1,200,000 – 1,800,000	2–3 years
2	Using an Unlicensed or Uninsured Car	200,000 – 600,000	1–2 years
3	Speeding (over 30 km/h)	600,000	6month –2 years
4	Speeding (1–30 km/h over limit)	200,000	6month –2 years
5	Drunk Driving	Up to 500,000	6month –2 years
6	Using a Phone While Driving	2,000,000	Up to 1 year
7	Causing Injury or Death due to Careless Driving	1,500,000 – 4,000,000	2–5 years
8	Driving without a permit	600,000-3,000,000	1-5 year

🚦 Why the Changes?

According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2024, over 4,000 people lost their lives in road accidents last year. Speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence remain the leading causes. In response, the government introduced stricter traffic laws to tackle these challenges head-on.

🛑 Key Changes in Traffic Rules for 2025

1. Revised Speed Limits

• Urban areas: 30 km/h
• Highways: 100 km/h (for private vehicles)
• Heavy vehicles & buses: 80 km/h max
• Exceeding these limits now attracts express penalties starting from UGX 200,000, depending on the level of overspeeding.

2. Express Penalty Scheme (EPS) Reforms

Traffic officers can now issue on-the-spot digital tickets. Failure to pay within 28 days may result in vehicle impoundment or issuance of arrest warrants.

3. Mandatory Vehicle Registration Updates

The government now requires:

• Digital number plates for all vehicles.
• Immediate transfer of ownership upon sale.
• Failure to comply attracts fines of up to UGX 1 million (1,000,000)or suspension of the vehicle license.

4. Driving Without a Valid License

Driving without a valid driver’s license is now a criminal offense with a penalty of:

• UGX 500,000 fine or
• 6 months imprisonment, or both.

📵 Mobile Phone Use While Driving

The law now strictly bans using handheld mobile phones while driving. This includes texting, making calls, or using apps. Offenders risk:

• UGX 300,000 fine
• License points are deducted under a new point-based system.

🍺 Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Zero tolerance has been adopted toward drunk driving:

• Alcohol limit: 0.08% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
• Penalties:
  • First offense: UGX 1 million(1,000,000) or 1-year license suspension
  • Repeat offenses: 2 years suspension and mandatory rehabilitation

🚘 Banned: Left-Hand Drive Vehicles

All left-hand drive vehicles are now prohibited from being imported or registered, except for emergency or diplomatic use.

🧍 Pedestrian Safety Matters

Blocking pedestrian walkways or zebra crossings now attracts heavy penalties. Authorities have emphasized that pedestrian-first road policies will be strictly enforced, especially in urban centers.

📊 Enforcement Through Technology

• CCTV and speed cameras are now widely installed in major towns and highways.
• Integration with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) helps in quick ticketing and follow-ups.
• An online portal is now available for checking and paying traffic fines.

✅ What You Should Do

1. Renew your driving license and ensure it’s up to date.
2. Comply with vehicle registration updates, including installing digital plates.
3. Drive responsibly and adhere to new speed limits.
4. Avoid distractions—use hands-free kits if necessary.
5. Stay sober if you are driving.

Conclusion

Uganda’s 2025 traffic rules aim to make roads safer for everyone. With stricter penalties and better enforcement, all road users are expected to be more responsible. Whether you are a driver or pedestrian, following the new laws is not just about avoiding fines—it is about saving lives. Let’s all play our part in creating safer roads across the country.