Rwanda National Police

Following the launch of the operations against errant motorists, last week, the exercise continued this Sunday in Gicumbi District where eight motorcycles were impounded over varied traffic related offences. 

The riders had no driver's license, transport authorisation, insurance and helmets, among others, according to Senior Supt. Jean Marie Vianney Ndushabandi, the spokesperson for the Traffic and Road Safety department.

Transport authorisation permit issued by Rwanda Utility Regulatory Authority (RURA) is a prerequisite for any motorcycle used in taxi business. 

“When you assess some of the accidents involving motorcycles, they are caused by lack of knowledge on traffic rules and regulations largely because someone didn't attend riding lessons,  which also helps to acquire a driver's license," SSP Ndushabandi said.

"Offenders are handed varied penalties as the law provides. People shouldn't wait to be penalised and their automobiles impounded. Let them acquire all the required documents but more importantly use the road responsibly," he explained. 

At least 100 motorcycles were impounded in Kigali on the first day of the operations, last Friday. 

The operations target motorcyclists without driver’s license, transport authorization permit; those, who are not registered in cooperative as well as those violating other varied traffic related offenses. 

Commercial motorcyclists are supposed to belong to a certain cooperative. 

According to the traffic department, operations will also be extended to vehicles.

The whole idea is meant to prevent fatalities and promote road safety.