Electronic Traffic Penalty System Now Active as Govt Warns Motorists Over Speeding and Red Light Violations

The Electronic Penalty System (EPSAuto) is now active, and road users have been urged to exercise heightened caution and comply with traffic regulations to avoid incurring fines.

According to the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda Police’s Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), the camera-enabled enforcement system has begun issuing electronic tickets to motorists who violate speed limits or run red lights.

“As part of the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System, the Express Penalty System—EPSAuto—is now operational,” said Priscah Pearl Ayesiga, the ITMS Public Relations Officer.

“We urge all road users, including drivers and motorcyclists, to prioritise safety and adherence to traffic laws. By doing so, penalties can be entirely avoided. Red light and speeding violations will be captured 24/7.”

Ayesiga emphasised that EPSAuto applies to all vehicles except those on emergency duty and is designed to enhance road safety by promoting responsible driving habits.

She also clarified that speed limits of 30km/h have been set specifically for high-risk zones such as schools and markets—not across all roads, as some road users mistakenly believe.

“Compliance is not just a requirement, but a safeguard for all. By obeying traffic rules, we can avoid penalties and ensure a smooth, safe journey for everyone,” she added.

Allan Ssempebwa, Senior Communications Officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport, confirmed that the initial phase of enforcement under EPSAuto will focus exclusively on red light and speeding violations.

“For now, EPSAuto will be largely applicable to motorists or riders who abuse the red light at traffic junctions and those violating speed limits—only these two offences,” he explained.

“The rest will continue to be enforced by traffic officers. If you commit either of these two violations, the system will automatically trigger an alert to the Uganda Police Force’s control centre, and a ticket will be generated and sent to your mobile phone.”

Ssempebwa also clarified that the system applies to both digital and conventional number plates.

“EPSAuto issues fines not only to owners of digital plates but also to those with old ones. We shall make a formal announcement when we are fully prepared for broader implementation,” he said.

Authorities are encouraging all road users to embrace the changes and drive safely to protect themselves and others.

Speeding remains one of the five major risk factors contributing to road crashes and fatalities in Uganda. According to the 2024 Annual Crime Report by the Uganda Police Force, 25,107 road crashes were recorded last year, resulting in 5,144 deaths.

Of these crashes, 44.5 percent were attributed to speeding.

The Ministry of Works and Transport and ITMS have reiterated their commitment to reducing these figures through stricter enforcement and enhanced public awareness.