The updated legislation imposes harsher penalties for violations, emphasizes modern technology for enforcement and management, and aims to boost transparency, accountability, and road safety while cutting accidents and fatalities.
The previous framework, Law No. 34/1987 dated September 17, 1987, has been superseded. The new law was approved on January 5, 2026, at 9:30 p.m., with 77 parliamentarians in the plenary session voting in favor after a full day of article-by-article review.
Lawmakers highlighted that the reforms align with national development, introducing tougher sanctions to deter intentional breaches and encourage responsible driving.
Under Article 37, driving with a blood alcohol level exceeding the legal limit of 0.80 g/L is an offense. For drivers of public transport vehicles, those carrying students, employees, or tourists, heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, or income-generating vehicles, conviction carries a fine of Rwf 100,000 to 400,000 and 3â€"6 months in prison.
For other drivers, penalties include a fine of Rwf 150,000 to 300,000 and up to 10 days in prison, or one of these alone. If the blood alcohol level is at least double the limit, penalties rise to a fine of Rwf 200,000 to 500,000 and 3â€"6 months in prison, or one of these. Repeat offenders within one year face the maximum penalty, which may be doubled.
Refusing a blood alcohol test is also an offense. For higher-risk category drivers, it brings a fine of Rwf 300,000 to 600,000 and 3â€"6 months in prison. For others, a fine of Rwf 400,000 to 600,000 and up to 10 days in prison, or one of these.
The prospect of jail terms sparked discussion in parliament. Deputy Christine Mukabunani argued against imprisonment where possible, proposing longer driving suspensions and steeper fines instead, believing higher financial consequences would be more effective.
Deputy Pie Nizeyimana raised concerns about potential psychological impacts.
In response, Ambassador Hope Gasatura Tumukunde, Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security, defended the tough measures as necessary to shift attitudes toward road safety.
He stressed that the penalties were weighed against the gravity of offenses, their threat to lives, and the need for strong deterrence, addressing an urgent issue requiring shared responsibility.
Article 39 states that refusing to stop when signaled by a police officer or authorized official is an offense, punishable upon conviction by a fine of Rwf 400,000 to 700,000 and 3â€"6 months in prison. Driving without a valid license carries 15â€"30 days in prison and a fine of Rwf 100,000 to 200,000, or one of these.
For serious safety-threatening offenses, police must prepare case files and forward them to the National Public Prosecution Authority within legal deadlines. A forthcoming ministerial order will define administrative offenses, fines, and demerit points.
Those issued administrative fines must pay within 30 days of notification. Late payment incurs a 30% surcharge, due within another 30 days.
Non-compliance leads to vehicle impoundment. However, alleged offenders or vehicle owners can appeal in writing or other means; if no reply comes within three days, the offense is canceled.
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