Traffic Penalties: There Is A New Boss In Town And It’s After Your “ታርጋ”

In August 2024, the Council of Ministers decided it was time to introduce a new road transport tariff regulation. Simply put, if you mess up behind the wheel, your bank account will feel it. The fines start at 500 Birr and can go up to 20,000 Birr, depending on how creatively you choose to break the law. But, there’s a silver lining: you have the right to appeal. (Whether that works out for you is a whole different conversation.)

The offenses are grouped into three categories. The first includes offenses like distracted driving or placing a child under 13 in the front seat, which will cost you 500 Birr. If you’re the type who misuses the horn, parks like you're the only one on the road, or drives slower than your grandma for no reason, that’s a 1,000 Birr offense. The third category includes more serious violations like using a mobile phone while driving, switching lanes recklessly, or ignoring seat belt rules, and yes, those cost 1,500 Birr. And for those who believe traffic signs are mere suggestions, parking or stopping in prohibited areas will run you a clean 3,000 Birr.