NTSA has issued warning that drunk drivers will have their licenses suspended for six months.
In a draft of The Traffic (Drunk Driving) Rules, 2022, released on today, the Authority said the emphasis was on drivers of Public Service Vehicles, commercial and school vehicles.
Any driver of a vehicle who is convicted more than once in a year for an offence under section 44(1) of the Act shall have their driving license suspended for six months, the statement added.
This is to mean any driver is not to drink at all before driving.
NTSA further said police officers are permitted to ask drivers involved in accidents to be tested for alcohol levels.
Section 44 (1) of the Traffic Act, states that first offenders are to face a fine not exceeding Sh10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months.
Conviction has a fine not exceeding Sh20,000 or a jail term not exceeding six months or both.
The Authority further directed the police to always ensure that the breathalyzer device is hygienic by ensuring the single use of a breathalyzer straw for each individual driver being tested.
In the case of a driver refusing to provide a specimen when required to do so by an officer, the act will be deemed an offence and the driver considered drunk.
This will attract a Traffic offence penalty.
NTSA has called on the public to present their views of the new rules, in an exercise that is to be held across the country from November 28 to December 16.
