Police Warn on Tinted and Right Hand Drive Vehicles

(JUBA) – The Traffic Police in South Sudan have issued a new order giving motorists and public transport operators seven days to follow set vehicle rules before strict enforcement begins.

The directive was announced in Juba by Major General Kon John Akot, Director General of the Traffic Police. It bans the use of right hand drive vehicles, tinted windows, and some vehicle designs used in public transport.

Under the order, all motorists must remove stickers from tinted windows or replace dark glass with clear glass so that the inside of the vehicle can be seen from outside. Police say this will help improve safety and security checks on the roads.

Owners of right hand drive vehicles have been told to change their vehicles so that the steering wheel is on the left side. The Traffic Police say this is important because South Sudan drives on the right side of the road.

Public transport vehicles, especially minibuses, must also meet new requirements. Their sliding doors must be on the right side of the vehicle to allow passengers to get in and out safely.

Major General Akot said the order is based on decisions already made by the government. These include a Cabinet decision from 2019 and an order issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 2020 on vehicle standards.

He warned that enforcement will be strict after the seven day grace period ends. Vehicles that do not meet the rules may be fined or impounded.

Motorists have been advised to use the one week period to make the needed changes to their vehicles to avoid problems with the police. Vehicle repair garages and spare parts sellers may see more customers during this time.

The directive comes at a time when there are disagreements between the Ministry of Interior and the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. Some lawmakers have raised concerns about recent traffic measures, including new charges for driving tests and changes to licence and logbook renewal periods.

Parliament has said it plans to call the Minister of Interior to explain these measures. Despite this, the Traffic Police say the current order is legal and follows earlier government decisions.

For many drivers and transport operators in South Sudan, the new enforcement means extra costs and the need to act quickly.

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