Earlier this year (2025), the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda Police, rolled out a new Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) and an Automated Express Penalty System (EPS), aimed at improving road safety, reducing traffic violations, and curbing road carnage.
During the process there has been a revision in the old traffic violation penalties that should be taken by extra caution if you’re a new driver to avoid falling victim as they are hefty imposed fines. These fines are not part of your rental contract or agreement but rather independent penalties issued directly by the Ugandan authorities to drivers or vehicle owners found in violation of traffic regulations.
Once violated, it’s your responsibility as a driver to fully cover them besides a few that may be imposed due to the vehicle condition such as missing a third-party license, bad tires and cracked wind shields among others.
ITMS Vs EPS
What is ITMS?
The Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) is a cutting-edge traffic management system that leverages technology to monitor and enforce road safety across Uganda. It includes Digital number plates with automatic recognition, CCTV cameras for speed and red-light enforcement, command centers for real-time traffic control, Database integration with the Uganda Police and URA and an Automated Express Penalty System (EPSAuto) for issuing fines.
This system aims to improve driver discipline, ensure safer roads, eliminate duplicate registrations, and make traffic enforcement more efficient and less prone to human error or corruption.
What the EPS Means for You
On the other hand, the Automated Express Penalty System (EPS) detects violations like speeding and red-light running using CCTV and ANPR technology. It started working on the April 23, 2025 in full enforcement.
When a violation occurs, it captures photo or video evidence, Records time, location, and vehicle registration, generates an e-fine and then sends a notification to the registered vehicle owner via SMS or email.
For our clients, this means any violation committed during your rental period may result in a fine linked to the vehicle and you’ll be required to settle it. This should be another reason not to use additional drivers that were not mentioned in the contract.
Why the New Systems?
Due to the alarming number of accidents primarily caused by bad driving, there had to be something to be done by the government. Uganda has witnessed a sharp increase in road fatalities over the past decade. Between 2014 and 2024, fatalities grew by an alarming 80.8%, rising from 2,845 to 5,144 deaths annually.
Vulnerable road users including pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers accounted for 60% of these fatalities in 2024, with motorcyclists and their passengers alone responsible for 47% of total deaths.
According to the Police Annual Crime Report 2024, the leading causes of road accidents in Uganda were careless overtaking and speeding, which together accounted for nearly half of all road accidents. With 17,013 people sustaining serious injuries in 2024 alone, the government had to take decisive action.
Key New Traffic Rules to Worry About
As a driver, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the newly updated Traffic and Road Safety (Speed Limits) Regulations. Note that driving above these limits is a punishable offence and ignorance of the law is not a defense, as the police continue to emphasize. Whether you hired a car with a driver, it is advisable to also take note of these rules for safety.
As part of the efforts by EPS and ITMS to enhance road safety and enforce responsible driving, new speed limits have been introduced and are now in full effect across Uganda.
These regulations enforce specific speed limits based on road type and vehicle classification as follows;
- Urban roads: Max speed of 30 km/h. These include areas such as those around Kampala in towns like Kyengera, Kireka, Nakawa, Katwe, Nansana and Bwayise among others.
- Highways in urban areas: 50 km/h for both cars and motorcycles. Roads like Entebbe Road, Jinja road until Lugazi, Bombo Road, Masaka road until Mpigi and Hoima Road until Nansana among others.
- Paved roads: 30 km/h to 90 km/h depending on vehicle type. All high ways such as Masaka road, Entebbe Express highway, Northern by Pass and Bombo-Gulu Road among others. Caution should be taken on traffic speed limit signs.
- Gravel roads: 30 – 60 km/h for vehicles, 30 km/h for motorcycles. Note that Uganda has some main roads that are not yet paved especially in the Eastern and North Eastern parts of the country.
- Community access roads: 30 km/h. These are feeder roads linking rural areas to main roads.
- Expressways and dual carriageways: Up to 100 km/h depending on classification. However, Uganda has very few dual carriageways and for the case of Entebbe Road until Zana from Kampala and the Northern by pass, we strongly advise not exceeding 60km/hr.
Common Offenses and Corresponding Fines
To help you avoid unexpected costs, here are the most common traffic offenses and their penalties under the new system. These can go up to whooping 6 billion Uganda shillings or $1.6m, yes you read it right!
- Over speeding fines range from Ugx 200,000 to Ugx 600,000 i.e. $55 to $160. This depends on how much speed limits you have exceeded beyond the required ones at a given road. For instance, average speed limits on the Northern by Pass in Kampala are 60km. Once caught driving 60km to 90km you are likely to pay Ugx 200,000 and beyond that, Ugx 600,000 has to be imposed or imprisonment of one to two years.
- Allowing an unqualified driver to operate the vehicle: UGX 100,000 ($30). That is driving with an expired driving license, driving without a license and driving a vehicle of a different driving class.
- Using an unlicensed or uninsured car fines range from Ugx 200,000 to Ugx 600,000 i.e. $55 to $160 or imprisonment of one to two years.
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of other toxins, ugx 500,000 ($140) fines, mandatory appearance before court and potential license suspension.
- Causing injury or death due to careless driving, fine of 1,500,000 ($145) to 4,000,000 ($1150) and imprisonment of 2 to 5 years.
- Careless driving, fine of 1,200,000 to 1,800,000 and imprisonment of two to three years.
- Failing to wear a seatbelt, a fine of 80,000 uganda shillings.
- Using a phone while driving: Ugx 2,000,000 ($550) or imprisonment of up to one year or both.
- Environmental pollution (e.g. littering): Up to UGX 6,000,000 ($1650)
- Use of banned plastic bags (under 30 microns): Up to UGX 100,000,000 ($27400)
- Aggravated environmental pollution: Up to UGX 6,000,000,000 ($1.65m)
The new traffic fines and penalties in Uganda, aimed at improving road safety. Seven key offenses with their respective fines and punishments, ranging from drunk driving to careless driving, with penalties including hefty fines, imprisonment, and license suspension.
Note: These are government fines, and Car Hire Uganda has no control over them. Fines will be associated with the vehicle registration, and drivers at a time may be liable if violations occur while the vehicle is under their use.
How to pay these fines
Should you receive an EPS fine while renting from us, we encourage prompt payment to avoid escalating penalties as they multiply by half (x1.5) once not paid in the next 72 hours or 28 days accordingly. Otherwise, continuous non-payment may lead to vehicle impounding, registration denial, and even court summons.
A driver will not be allowed to extend or renew their driving licence if they have pending EPS fines. An interstate driver will not be allowed to exit the country with pending EPS tickets.
Payments can be made through:
- Mobile money platforms (Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money)
- Banks
- POS terminals
- Online portals linked to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) or Uganda Police Systems
Road Safety is Everyone’s Business
At Car Hire Uganda, we stand behind the principle that road safety is a shared responsibility. These new regulations are not just about fines; they are about saving lives. Slowing down, obeying traffic lights, and respecting speed limits can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that every journey you make is a safe one.
We also remind our clients that many road fatalities involve non-drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. When you rent with us, we ask that you drive not just responsibly, but compassionately, understanding that your actions on the road affect everyone around you.
Abide by posted speed limits, refrain from unsafe driving behaviors, understand that fines from EPS are external to our contracts and directly enforced by the government, report any received fines immediately to our support team for guidance. Contacts are always on the rental contract and you directly call them or WhatsApp for urgent help.
For any questions or assistance regarding traffic rules or fines while using our services, feel free to contact our support team at any time as well. Drive smart, drive safe. drive with Car Hire Uganda.
