List of NTSA Number Plate Offences and Their Penalties

Many motorists focus on speeding fines, parking penalties and insurance compliance, but few pay attention to the rules governing vehicle number plates.

Yet, some number plate offences can attract hefty penalties, with fines ranging from Ksh10,000 to as much as Ksh300,000. In certain cases, offenders may even face imprisonment.

Here are five common number plate offences and the fines they attract.

Also Read: How to Apply for NTSA Special or Personalised Number Plates [Charges]

1. Using paper-printed number plates on your windscreen

Some car owners choose to make makeshift number plates as they wait for NTSA to process their official registration plates. It is not uncommon to see motorists driving vehicles with registration numbers printed on paper displayed on the windscreen.

However, according to the NTSA, no provision in the Traffic Act allows the use of printed papers or any makeshift display as a substitute for official registration plates.

Motorists found using such temporary displays risk being fined Ksh10,000.

2. Driving with dirty or obscured number plates

According to the traffic laws, a vehicle's registration plate must always be visible and easy to read. This means motorists should ensure that mud, dust, stickers, decorative covers or any other object does not block any part of the registration number.

Number plates are designed to be reflective so that they can be identified both during the day and at night. If the registration marks cannot be clearly seen, motorists may be deemed to violate the law.

Under the Traffic Act (Registration Plates) Rules, driving a vehicle whose registration marks are not clearly visible can attract a fine of up to Ksh20,000.

Also Read: Kenya’s Number Plate System: Colours, Series and Penalties Explained

3. Driving without a number plate (unregistered vehicle)

Driving a vehicle without a registration plate is among the most serious number plate-related offences in Kenya. The law requires every registered vehicle to display valid registration plates at all times.

Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to severe consequences. Under the Traffic Act, a person found driving a vehicle without the required registration plates may face a fine of up to Ksh300,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months.

4. Number plates not properly fixed

Having a number plate is not enough. The law also specifies how the plates should be mounted on a vehicle.

Every motor vehicle is required to display one registration plate at the front and another at the rear. Both plates must be securely fixed in the prescribed position and manner.

"A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or trailer, shall have a general registration plate on the front elevation and another on the back elevation fixed thereon in a horizontal position at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle," reads the Traffic Act (Registration Plates) Rules in part.

If the plates are loosely attached, damaged, incorrectly positioned or missing from either end of the vehicle, the motorist may be penalised.

Under the Traffic (Minor Offences) Rules, this offence attracts a fine of Ksh10,000.

Also Read: NTSA Issues Guidelines for Application of Reflective Number Plates & Motor Vehicle Inspections

5. Modifying number plates

Some motorists customise their number plates by altering the appearance of letters and numbers or by using decorative fonts and designs. While such modifications may appear attractive, they are prohibited under Kenyan law.

The Traffic Act (Registration Plates) Rules require registration marks to remain in the approved format to ensure easy identification by law enforcement officers and automated systems such as speed cameras.

Changing the appearance of a number plate, altering its characters or using unauthorised designs can attract a fine of up to Ksh20,000.