Traffic Laws in Uganda – Safety Rules to Follow
Traffic laws in Uganda – Know the traffic laws before traveling to Uganda for a 4×4 self drive road trip or safari. Are you planning to travel to Uganda for the first time or already in Uganda for a 4×4 self drive trip but don’t know what the traffic laws are? No worries!
Driving is one of the most risky things you will do, especially on an African road. The risks increase when drivers fail to follow the most obvious traffic laws such as not drinking and driving, not overspeeding, and not texting while driving, among others.
While driving can prove to be challenging, it is therefore crucial to always know the traffic laws in any country you go to. Following these road safety laws will not only keep you safe on the road but also protect other road users from getting involved in unintentional and regrettable road accidents.
Traffic laws in Uganda are established by the Ministry of Works and Transport in conjunction with the Uganda Police and the Uganda National Roads Authority. They are duly applied and enforced for the safety of road users through tickets, fines, and even jail time for major violations.
Drivers are therefore reminded to observe these traffic laws and road safety rules and practice good driving skills for the benefit of all road users. The following are some of the traffic laws in Uganda every driver is obliged to adhere to every time they sit at the steering wheel.
What Traffic Offences May Cost
1. Do not drive without a driver’s license.
A driver’s license is a document from the traffic authorities that allows you to drive around the country. You must possess a valid driving license every time you are driving on Ugandan roads. Driving without it in Uganda is offensive and punishable in accordance with the traffic laws.
If you don’t have a Ugandan driver’s license, you can visit the offices of the Uganda Driver Licensing System near the railway station along Nasser road in Kampala or visit their website, or any local Face Technologies office to find out how to get a driving permit or renew the one you already have.
Driving without a license in Uganda or failure to renew an expired one attracts between Shs.600,000 and Shs1m in fine or imprisonment for six months.
2. Do not text and drive.
Like in most countries, texting while driving in Uganda is offensive and punishable by law. This wrong practice is among the most common causes of road accidents sometimes causing serious injuries or even death to the victims.
So it is important to always keep your phone away while driving for both your safety and other road users. Individuals who are caught using a phone while driving will pay a fine of Ushs2,000,000, or face imprisonment of up to one year, or both.
3. Minimum driving age
Like other countries, you should be 18 years and above to drive on Ugandan roads. However, if you are planning to rent a car for a road trip or safari, you must be 23 yaers and above and must have a valid driver’s license for about two years.
4. Do not drive under the influence
Drunk driving or being under the influence of drugs or any such substances is illegal in Uganda and will result in a severe penalty. This illegal practice poses a high risk of road accidents. The accepted alcohol level is only 0.08%.
Individuals who are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will face a fine between Shs.300,000 and Shs.2,000,000 or get imprisoned for up to three years. Therefore, drink responsibly especially if you are going to drive a car.
5. Observe the speed limit
Different roads have different speed limits in Uganda. For example, the limit on highways is 100 km/h (62 mph), outside built-up areas is 80 km/h (50 mph) and in urban built-up areas, it is 50 km/h (31 mph). Drivers must observe these speed limits for both their safety and that of other road users.
Individuals caught over speeding will face a penalty of between UGX 300,000 and UGX 1,200,000, or imprisonment of between six months and two years. Therefore, being cautious every time you are behind the wheel will save you from a lot of inconveniences and penalties, so make sure you drive responsibly.
6. Have third-party insurance
It is important to drive vehicles with third-party insurance. Some roads are still under construction and having third-party insurance will be of great help for your trip in case you need it. You should always be prepared beforehand.
7. Wear seat belts at all times.
It is mandatory for both drivers and passengers to always wear seatbelts whenever they are hitting the roads. Seatbelt rules are in place to ensure your safety in case of an accident. It doesn’t cost you anything to wear your seat belt. It will make your trip safer and more comfortable.
