Have you ever wondered how traffic offences impact your driving record in Kenya? Most drivers are unaware that the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) maintains a detailed Demerit Points System that tracks your driving behaviour and offences on the road.
NTSA Demerit Points System in Kenya: How Traffic Offences Affect Your Driving Record
What is the NTSA Demerit Points System?
The NTSA Demerit Points System assigns every licensed driver in Kenya a starting score of 20 points. These points are not rewards but a measure of responsible driving. The fewer traffic violations you commit, the higher your score remains, reflecting your adherence to road safety standards.
Whenever a driver commits a traffic offence, NTSA deducts points from their record based on the severity of the violation. This system promotes safe driving by providing a transparent and measurable way to monitor drivers’ behaviour.
How Points Are Deducted
Points are categorized based on the seriousness of the offence:
- Minor infractions: Small violations such as failing to wear a seatbelt, minor speeding, or using a phone while driving usually result in a deduction of 2 to 4 points.
- Moderate infractions: Actions like dangerous overtaking or ignoring traffic signals can lead to larger deductions, quickly affecting a driver’s score.
- Serious infractions: Severe offences, including drunk driving, reckless driving causing injury or death, or dangerous driving, can result in a maximum deduction of 20 points from a single incident.
A recent example on Tuesday, December 9, saw NTSA suspend the licenses of 62 drivers across six SACCOs due to serious violations, demonstrating the strict enforcement of the points system.
What Happens When Points Are Depleted?
The NTSA actively monitors drivers’ points. When points are reduced due to repeated offences, the following actions may occur:
- 10 points deducted or more in a year: The driver may be required to attend a mandatory driving refresher course to correct unsafe driving habits.
- Zero points remaining: NTSA can suspend the driver’s license, legally prohibiting them from operating any vehicle on Kenyan roads until compliance is restored.
How to Restore NTSA Demerit Points
Points can be partially restored on an annual basis, especially for drivers with clean records during the review period. Drivers can also regain points by undergoing NTSA-approved corrective training, such as defensive driving courses or mandatory refresher programs.
Why the NTSA Demerit Points System Matters
The NTSA Demerit Points System serves as a crucial tool to promote road safety, reduce traffic accidents, and encourage responsible driving across Kenya. By understanding how points are assigned, deducted, and restored, drivers can stay compliant, protect their licenses, and contribute to safer roads nationwide.