Proposed Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2025

Key Highlights of the Proposed 2025 Inspection Rules

1. Enhanced Inspection Requirements for Private Vehicles

One of the most significant proposed changes is the expansion of mandatory inspections to include private vehicles over four years old. Currently, only commercial vehicles and PSVs undergo regular inspections.

Proposed inspection schedule:

• Private vehicles: Every 2 years (once they’re over 4 years old)
• Commercial and PSV vehicles: Annually (as currently required)

Important Note: Brand new vehicles would remain exempt from inspection for the first four years from the date of registration, after which they would enter the biennial inspection cycle for private vehicles.

2. Expanded Computerized Vehicle Inspection (CVI) Network

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is proposing to expand its Computerized Vehicle Inspection (CVI) infrastructure across the country. These centres would use modern diagnostic equipment to assess:

• Brake efficiency
• Emissions and pollution levels
• Steering and suspension integrity
• Lighting and electrical systems
• Body condition and structural safety
• Tyre condition and tread depth

CVI aims to ensure inspections are automated, tamper-proof, and standardized, potentially reducing corruption and inconsistencies from manual inspections.

3. Digital-First Approach to Bookings and Payments

Under the proposed system, all inspection bookings would be done via the NTSA online portal (TIMS). Vehicle owners would need their:

• Vehicle registration number
• Owner ID or company PIN
• Preferred inspection centre and time slot

Payment would also be processed online, with digital inspection certificates issued after passing.

4. Mandatory Inspection Stickers

Every vehicle that passes inspection would receive a tamper-proof windshield sticker showing the next due inspection date. The proposals suggest that failure to display a valid sticker could result in fines or vehicle immobilization.

5. Proposed Penalties for Non-Compliance

If implemented, vehicles not inspected or those that fail inspection but are still found on the road could face:

• Fines (amounts to be determined in final regulations)
• Suspension of road licenses
• Vehicle detention by NTSA or police
• For PSVs, possible revocation of operator licenses

Proposed Inspection Schedule by Vehicle Category

Environmental Focus: Emissions Testing Integration

The proposed 2025 rules would incorporate emissions testing as a standard part of vehicle inspection, particularly targeting older vehicles that emit excess pollutants. Vehicles emitting black smoke or exceeding CO₂ limits could be flagged for repair or potentially face deregistration.

This aligns with Kenya’s environmental commitments to reduce urban pollution, especially in major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.

What This Could Mean for Vehicle Owners

If these proposals are implemented, car owners, motorcycle riders, and fleet operators would need to:

✅ Maintain vehicles in roadworthy condition year-round
✅ Budget for inspection fees (current commercial inspection fees range from KES 2,000–4,000)
✅ Plan inspection schedules to avoid delays or penalties
✅ Use inspection results to guide maintenance decisions

Implementation Challenges and Concerns

While the proposed rules aim to improve road safety, several implementation challenges have been identified:

Infrastructure concerns:

• Limited inspection capacity in rural and semi-urban areas
• Potential congestion at NTSA facilities as more vehicles enter the system
• Need for significant investment in CVI centres

Public readiness:

• Required awareness campaigns to educate vehicle owners
• Financial burden on low-income vehicle owners facing costly repairs
• Transition period management for existing vehicle owners

Industry response: According to automotive industry stakeholders, there are concerns about the readiness of inspection infrastructure and the need for adequate transition periods.

NTSA has indicated plans to expand inspection centres and enhance partnerships with licensed private garages. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) may be introduced to address capacity challenges.

Current vs. Proposed: What’s Changing?

Current System:

• Only commercial vehicles and PSVs require regular inspections
• Private vehicles inspected only upon importation or specific circumstances
• Manual inspection processes in many centres

Proposed System:

• All vehicles over 4 years old would require regular inspections
• Standardized, computerized inspection processes
• Digital booking and certification system
• Enhanced emissions testing

Expert Perspective

“The proposed changes represent a significant shift toward comprehensive vehicle safety standards,” notes a senior automotive industry consultant. “However, successful implementation will depend on adequate infrastructure development and public education campaigns.”

Final Thoughts: Preparing for Potential Changes

The proposed Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2025 represent a potential transformation in how Kenya approaches vehicle safety and compliance. If implemented, they would mark a significant step toward safer roads, cleaner air, and a more disciplined vehicle ownership culture.

For CarNews KE readers, this is a heads-up to:

🚗 Keep your logbook current and accessible.
🔧 Maintain regular vehicle servicing schedules.
🧾 Stay informed about implementation timelines.
🛑 Most importantly, keep your vehicle roadworthy.

Stay Informed

We’ll continue monitoring the progress of these proposed regulations and will update our readers as soon as there are developments regarding their implementation.

Have Your Say What do you think about these proposed inspection rules? Are they necessary for road safety or potentially burdensome for vehicle owners? Will they help reduce accidents and pollution?

📩 Share your thoughts with us at news@carnews.co.ke or by leaving a comment below. You can also join the conversation on our Instagram and YouTube Channel.

For more motoring updates, expert advice, and Kenya’s car culture stories, stay tuned to CarNews KE.

Disclaimer: This article discusses proposed regulations that are not yet in effect. Implementation timelines and specific details may change. Always consult official NTSA communications for the most current information.