Members of Parliament have called for caution in implementing the proposed electronic merit and demerit point system for traffic violations, warning that without clear safeguards, some drivers could be unfairly penalised. The concerns were raised on January 5, 2026, as the Chamber of Deputies was voting on the road traffic bill. ALSO READ: Errant drivers face year-long ban under new traffic points system During the deliberations, MP Germaine Mukabalisa pointed at the need to clearly list traffic offences that will attract point deductions to help both drivers and law enforcers to properly understand and apply the law. She also called for clarity on the total number of points assigned to a driver’s licence and the number of points to be deducted for each offence. “For example, if someone is fined for overspeeding, how many points will be deducted? What about driving under the influence of alcohol?” Mukabalisa asked. “These are essential details that lawmakers should clearly know as we pass this law.” Mukabalisa further asked whether an appeal mechanism would be available for affected drivers. She warned against leaving critical provisions to be determined solely through ministerial orders, arguing that key elements — including offences and penalties — should be clearly provided for in the law itself. She also raised concerns about possible double punishment, such as when a vehicle is impounded while the driver simultaneously loses points for the same offence. ALSO READ: How new road traffic bill may change driver behaviour MP Hope Tumukunde Gasatura, Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security, which scrutinised the bill, acknowledged that the electronic merit and demerit system is new to Rwanda, though similar systems are already in use elsewhere. She explained that while the Minister of Infrastructure – the leading official regarding the implementation of the law once enacted – had provided general explanations during committee hearings, operational details would be outlined in a ministerial order. Under the proposed system, drivers will lose points for traffic violations, and if all points are exhausted within a one-year period, the driver’s licence will be suspended until the end of that year. Tumukunde said the electronic system enhances transparency, as evidence such as photographs will be available. “If someone claims they were not the driver, the system can show the recorded evidence, including images,” she said. MP Pie Nizeyimana supported the idea of monitoring driver behaviour but proposed a transition period to allow drivers to familiarise themselves with the new system. He suggested a three-month transition phase during which violations would be recorded but would not result in point deductions. “This is a new system in Rwanda. There should be a grace period for sensitisation,” he said. “The goal should not be punishment alone, but helping drivers learn and comply.” MP Erneste Nsangabandi raised concerns about the country’s readiness to support the system, particularly in areas where infrastructure gaps could unfairly expose drivers to penalties. He cited the lack of parking areas and roadside stations for truck drivers involved in long-distance cross-border goods transport, warning that penalising drivers for improper parking caused by the absence of infrastructure would be unjust. He asked whether the system would allow flexibility for drivers who commit violations due to circumstances beyond their control. MP Angélique Nyirabazayire highlighted challenges associated with technology-based enforcement, noting that road cameras can take vehicle pictures, but sometimes vehicle number plates are misidentified, leading to fines being sent to the wrong owners. She underscored the need for safeguards to ensure drivers are not penalised for offences committed by someone else using their vehicle. She proposed effectively managed contractual arrangements between vehicle owners and borrowers to help establish responsibility during appeals. Responding to the concerns, Tumukunde clarified that improper truck parking would not be among the offences attracting point deductions and said the government was working to improve infrastructure such as parking areas and roadside stations. ALSO READ: Govt pledges to address truck drivers’ parking concerns Tumukunde added that technological errors can be corrected once evidence is presented, and that in the long term, facial recognition and ID integration being considered could ensure points are attributed directly to drivers rather than vehicle owners. Only serious traffic violations/offenses are in focus The Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, said the system is intended to promote responsible driving rather than punish drivers. “Point deductions are mainly for record-keeping and encouraging good behaviour,” Gasore said. “Drivers who observe traffic rules will not be affected, and a good driving record could even be useful for insurance purposes.” 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. Penalty points will range from two to six, depending on the violation/offence in question. Serious violations such as hit-and-run will attract the maximum six points, Gasore indicated. If a traffic offence is committed and the driver is not immediately identified, points will initially be recorded against the vehicle’s number plate and later transferred to the driver’s licence once the responsible driver is identified. Gasore clarified that only deliberate and serious violations that pose a threat to road safety will attract point deductions. Minor or unintentional infractions will not. For instance, while speeding is punishable, exceeding the speed limit by up to 10 km/h will not attract point deductions. Points will only be deducted when the limit is exceeded by 20 km/h or more, depending on the location. A set of 10 serious infractions includes fleeing the scene of an accident (six points), driving with a disconnected or missing speed governor (five points), driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (four points), driving while disqualified (three points), running a red light (three points), speeding (three points), driving without insurance (two points), and using a handheld mobile phone while driving (two points). “Only habitual offenders will feel the impact of this system,” Gasore said. “For most Rwandans, it will serve as a driver behaviour database rather than a punishment tool.”
