Driver licence point system
Streamlining the process of penalising traffic offences for safer roads
Accountable and transparent traffic management
Kenya's National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has developed the Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS), a comprehensive database that centralises information related to driver's licenses and vehicle inspections. TIMS aims to improve the efficiency of transportation management by providing a unified platform for monitoring and regulating driving activities. This system introduces technology aligned with 21st-century expectations, such as the inclusion of a microchip that stores driver information and a points-based system to enforce driving regulations.
The new driver’s licenses feature an advanced Points System designed to enhance traffic law enforcement and driver accountability. Each license is equipped with a digital wallet for the convenient payment of fines. NTSA has partnered with the police and judiciary to implement instant fines, streamlining the process of penalising traffic offences. Each new license starts with 20 points, which are renewed every three years. Points are deducted for traffic violations, and if a driver loses all their points due to repeated offences, NTSA may suspend or revoke the licence in line with regulations.
As of 2019, NTSA reported that approximately 50,000 licences have been upgraded to the new smart version. These digital licences are embedded with sophisticated biometric data, making them difficult to forge and ensuring the integrity of the system. The introduction of this system aims to professionalise driving by rewarding law-abiding drivers and penalising reckless ones, ultimately promoting safer driving habits. The detailed profiling made possible by the Points System represents a shift towards a more accountable and transparent approach to traffic management and driver conduct.
The Safe Systems Approach
The implementation of the Points System has had a significant impact on traffic law enforcement and driver behavior. This system has incentivized drivers to adhere to traffic regulations, leading to a decrease in road crashes and an overall improvement in road safety.
Furthermore, the integration of instant fines and biometric data has streamlined the enforcement process, reducing the time and resources required to process traffic violations. The NTSA reports increased efficiency in traffic management and a higher rate of compliance with driving laws.
