NTSA, Police Crackdown on Cars With Modifications

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Police Service (NPS) has commenced a crackdown on vehicles with unauthorised modifications, particularly involving the use of strobe lights.

The crackdown that commenced on Sunday, March 31, follows an earlier warning by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja Kirocho, in February against the installation of strobe lights, light bars or sirens on motor vehicles.

According to the police, such modifications are contrary to Traffic Act Cap 403 Section 34, which outlines the use of sirens and strobe lights. Kanja had asserted that rule 83 on the traffic rules and regulation restricts the use of sirens by the police, fire engines and ambulances.

Violations targeted in the crackdown include:

• Unlawfully equipped lamps
• Modified illuminating lights
• Red lights 
• Opaque rear lights 
• Flashing lights
• Flickering lights
• LED illuminating lights 
• Unauthorised sirens and unauthorised red and blue lights.
• Strobe lights
• Light bars
• Sirens, and lead/chase cars.

The order of Precedence Act 2014, entitles the President, Deputy President, speakers and the Chief Justice to the use of sirens. Other individuals intending to install and use strobe lights, sirens, and associated equipment for vehicles are urged to request authorisation in accordance with the procedure provided.

Hefty Fine

Traffic police officers across the country are under instruction to impound and charge motor vehicle or motorcycle owners who have unlawfully made these modifications.

By law, offenders risk spending two years in jail, paying a Ksh400,000 fine, or both.

"Any person who drives or uses on a road a vehicle in contravention of the provisions of section 55 or section 56 shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding four hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both.”

What Exactly are Strobe Lights?

Strobe lights are high-intensity lights that produce brief flashes of light. They operate on the principle of rapid, repetitive flashes that create a strobe effect, giving the appearance of slow motion, freeze-frame, or rapid movement depending on the frequency of the flashes. 

Originally developed for scientific and industrial purposes, strobe lights have found widespread use in various applications, including emergency vehicles, entertainment venues, photography, and automotive customization.

What are Strobe Lights Designed For?

Strobe lights are primarily designed for signalling, warning, and visibility enhancement purposes. In emergency vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances, strobe lights serve as visual alerts to notify other road users of their presence and urgency. 

They are also commonly used in construction zones, airports, and other hazardous environments to increase visibility and draw attention to potential dangers. 

Additionally, strobe lights are employed in entertainment settings, such as clubs and concerts, to create dynamic lighting effects that synchronise with music or enhance the atmosphere.

What are the Effects of Strobe Lights on Road Safety?

While strobe lights can be effective in certain controlled environments and specific applications, their unauthorised use on motor vehicles can pose significant risks to road safety. 

The unauthorised installation of strobe lights, along with other modifications like sirens and light bars, can lead to confusion and distraction for other road users. 

Drivers may be startled or momentarily blinded by the intense flashes of light, potentially causing accidents or hindering emergency response efforts.

Moreover, the misuse of strobe lights can undermine the visibility and credibility of legitimate emergency vehicles, making it difficult for motorists to distinguish between authorised and unauthorised vehicles during critical situations. 

This confusion can delay emergency response times and compromise public safety.