Whether you drive a car, ride a boda boda or operate a taxi, you will likely meet traffic police at some point. Knowing how traffic fines work in Uganda helps you avoid offences, pay correctly and protect your rights.
What is the Express Penalty Scheme (EPS)?
The Express Penalty Scheme allows traffic police to issue a ticket for minor traffic offences so that you can pay a fixed fine instead of going to court. It is provided for under the Traffic and Road Safety Act. Paying the fine within the allowed time settles the matter. If you do not pay or you dispute the offence, the case can go to court.
How much are traffic fines?
Fines under Ugandan law are expressed in currency points. One currency point is Shs20,000. Many common express penalty offences carry fines in the range of a few currency points, so typical tickets often fall between about Shs40,000 and Shs200,000 depending on the offence. Serious offences such as dangerous driving or drunk driving go to court and carry heavier penalties, including possible imprisonment and suspension of your permit.
Common traffic offences in Uganda
- Speeding
- Driving without a valid driving permit, or not carrying it
- No third party insurance sticker
- Not wearing a seat belt, or a passenger not wearing a helmet on a motorcycle
- Using a phone while driving
- Overloading passengers or goods
- Driving a vehicle with faulty lights, worn tyres or broken mirrors
- Failing to obey traffic lights, signs or a police officer's signal
- Careless driving and dangerous overtaking
- Illegal parking and obstruction
- Driving an unlicensed public service vehicle or without a PSV badge
Camera and digital enforcement
Uganda has been rolling out an intelligent transport monitoring system with cameras and digital number plates in major towns and highways. Cameras can detect offences such as speeding and running red lights, and fines may be linked to the vehicle's registration. Check your vehicle's status regularly through official channels and pay outstanding fines before they accumulate penalties.
How to pay a traffic fine
- Get the ticket details from the officer: ticket number, offence, amount and date.
- Generate a Payment Registration Number (PRN) through the URA portal or official traffic fine payment channels, using the ticket details or vehicle registration number.
- Pay at a bank or by mobile money using the PRN.
- Keep your receipt and payment confirmation. You may need to show it if stopped again.
Never pay cash to an officer. Official fines are paid to government through a PRN. If an officer asks for cash, request a ticket instead.
What if you do not pay?
- Unpaid tickets can lead to a court summons.
- Penalties may increase after the payment period expires.
- Outstanding fines on a vehicle can complicate transfers, renewals and inspections.
Your rights when stopped by traffic police
- Ask for identification if the officer is not clearly identifiable.
- Ask what offence you are accused of.
- Request a ticket rather than paying on the spot.
- You may choose not to admit the offence and have the matter decided in court.
- Stay calm and polite. Do not drive off or argue aggressively.
- Report misconduct to the police Professional Standards Unit with the officer's details, location and time.
Documents to carry when driving
- Valid driving permit for the vehicle class
- Third party insurance sticker displayed
- Vehicle registration and logbook copy if you are not the owner, with authorisation
- PSV licence and badge for public transport
- Certificate of fitness or inspection where required
How to avoid fines
- Respect speed limits, especially in trading centres and school zones.
- Keep your vehicle roadworthy: lights, tyres, wipers and mirrors.
- Renew insurance and permits on time and set reminders.
- Use a hands free kit or avoid phone use altogether while driving.
- Boda boda riders: always wear a helmet and carry one for your passenger.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay a traffic fine with mobile money?
Yes, once you have a PRN, you can pay through mobile money or a bank.
What happens if my vehicle is impounded?
You will usually need to pay any fines, present ownership and insurance documents, and sometimes pay storage charges before release.
Can I challenge a camera fine?
Yes. Gather evidence such as proof that the vehicle was elsewhere or had been sold, and raise it with the issuing authority or in court.
Need legal advice?
If you face a serious traffic charge, accident case or vehicle impound, book a quick consultation with a verified lawyer on The Quick Consult. This guide is general information, not legal advice.