Rwanda National Police

The Rwanda National Police (RNP), in partnership with the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), on Saturday, September 6, conducted a road safety campaign to improve compliance with yellow box junction regulations and to enhance the use of smart technology to enforce traffic laws.

The campaign was held at the Gishushu intersection in Gasabo District, where the yellow box markings were drawn as part of the campaign. 

The event attended by the Minister of Infrastructure, Dr Jimmy Gasore, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) CG Felix Namuhoranye as well as the UN Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, and his wife, Michelle Yeoh.

The officials were briefed on the rationale behind the implementation of the yellow box system, its role in reducing traffic congestion, and how technology-enabled systems are being deployed to monitor and enforce compliance. 

The road safety technology includes smart surveillance tools and real-time traffic monitoring integrated into the city’s infrastructure.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, the RNP Spokesperson, emphasized the importance of road safety regulations compliance.

“Yellow box markings at intersections or near building entrances serve a very clear purpose: no vehicle is allowed to stop within these marked areas at any time,” said ACP Rutikanga.

“Drivers must only proceed into a yellow box when they are absolutely sure the exit is clear and traffic ahead is moving. This is crucial in preventing vehicles from blocking intersections, especially during peak traffic hours or red light signals.”

He further reminded road users that the Yellow Box junctions are crucial to ensure smooth traffic flow and to prevent accidents.

“These markings are a practical tool for enforcing existing traffic laws that prohibit stopping in intersections. They serve as a visual reminder to drivers to follow the rules.”

“Violators are subject to penalties, and smart surveillance cameras are now in place to automatically detect and fine those who stop in yellow boxes, drive without seatbelts, talk on the phone while driving, or operate a vehicle without valid insurance.”

“It’s also important to remind the public that stopping on pedestrian crosswalks—Zebra crossings—is strictly prohibited.”

The initiative is under Article 16 of the Presidential Decree No. 85/01 of 02/09/2002 regulating general traffic police and road traffic. 

The article mandates that drivers entering crossroads regulated by traffic lights must clear the intersection without blocking traffic, even if turning is not immediately authorized to prevent blocking traffic heading in the authorized direction.