Motorists have expressed mixed reactions after parliament, on January 5, passed a new road traffic bill aimed at improving road safety through increased use of technology and introduction of a merit and demerit points system.

The bill introduces a points-based system intended to penalise traffic violations, while rewarding responsible driving.

Under the proposed system, each licensed driver will start with 15 points, which will be deducted based on the severity of traffic offences committed within a one-year period. At the end of the year, drivers will regain all 15 points.

However, if a driver’s points fall below one during that year, their licence will be suspended until the year ends.

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The motorists who spoke to The New Times pointed to issues they believe will be important in the implementation of the bill, while also suggesting measures they say could support effective enforcement.

Commenting an article in the bill which provides that a driver who ignores traffic police’s order to stop faces a fine of between Rwf400,000 and Rwf700,000, as well as imprisonment of between three and four months, Aimee Pierre Bahizi, a Kigali-based taxi-moto operator, said penalties should be based on clear evidence.

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"On a busy road, a driver may not even know when they are being stopped. There must be proof. If there is clear evidence that a driver was stopped and deliberately ignored the order, then there is no problem (in penalising them),” he said.

Bahizi also questioned the use of imprisonment for the offence, arguing that the reasons behind a driver’s actions should first be established.

"Imprisonment is not fair in some cases. There should be proper investigation to understand why a driver failed to stop. If it is linked to serious crimes such as transporting drugs or weapons, then the relevant laws should apply,” he added.

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Commenting on the proposed merit and demerit points system, Bahizi said many motorcyclists are anxious about its implementation.

"We do not yet know what will lead to point deductions or how drivers will track their points. With the fines we already face, many fear their licences could be revoked unfairly,” he noted.

He welcomed reforms on vehicle registration, saying delays had undermined accountability. Under the law, ownership transfers made after the law takes effect must be completed within 90 days, while those made before its commencement are granted a 12-month period to regularise ownership.

"There are vehicles that have changed hands several times but remain registered under the first owner. Addressing this will protect both buyers and sellers and discourage the importation of old, polluting vehicles,” he said.

John Rwabukamba, a taxi driver in Kigali, said penalties should prioritise fines over imprisonment.

"If a driver clearly ignores an order to stop, even a fine of up to Rwf1 million is acceptable. What matters is proportionality,” he said, adding that point deductions should reflect the level of negligence involved.

Eric Nsanzabera, a minibus driver operating on the Kigali-Base route, said the bill should also address the conduct of traffic enforcement officers.

"There is a lot of focus on punishing drivers, but little emphasis on accountability on the enforcement side. There should be clear mechanisms to challenge fines or report misconduct,” he said.

Nsanzabera added that clearer road signage and better communication with drivers would reduce violations.

"Some offences happen simply because drivers are not well informed, especially on roads where regulations change frequently,” he noted.

Simon Tuyizere, who operates a tricycle transporting goods in Kigali, urged authorities to consider the economic impact of vehicle impoundment.

"When a vehicle is seized, it affects more than just the driver. Many families depend on these vehicles for daily survival,” he said.