Government pledges to consider stakeholders’ views on draft driver fatigue regulations

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Government has assured transport stakeholders that it will consider their views on the draft 2026 Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) regulations on the management of driver fatigue.

Among the key issues raised by stakeholders is the maximum driving time for passenger vehicle drivers. The draft regulations propose that a driver should not drive for more than nine hours within a 24-hour period. However, stakeholders have suggested that the regulations should instead be based on kilometres travelled rather than hours, citing traffic congestion challenges, particularly for vehicles operating from Dar es Salaam to upcountry.

Another concern raised relates to offences and penalties in the event of non-compliance. Under the draft regulations, an owner who violates the rules would be liable to a fine of not less than 200,000/- and not more than 500,000/-, while a driver would be fined between 100,000/- and 200,000/-.

Speaking at the closing of a stakeholders’ consultative meeting on the draft regulations held in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, LATRA Assistant Director for Road Transport Services in the Ministry of Transport, Mr Andrew Magombana, said the process is still ongoing and open to further input.

“This process has not yet reached the final stage. The Authority’s objective is to obtain constructive views that will help in making the right decisions in the national interest,” he said.

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Mr Magombana further called on stakeholders to continue submitting their recommendations in writing within 14 days starting from Thursday, to allow all parties an opportunity to participate fully in the process.

Earlier, providing clarification on the introduction of the draft regulations to stakeholders, LATRA Director, CPA Habibu Suluo, said driver fatigue remains a major challenge with serious implications for passenger safety, investors’ interests and the national economy.

He noted that road accidents continue to be reported, many of which are attributed to driver fatigue, with some resulting in significant losses to investors and the country at large.

Mr Suluo stressed that the regulations are not intended to oppress investors but rather to safeguard their interests, protect drivers’ health and ensure passenger safety.

“When an accident occurs, you lose passengers’ lives, you lose property and the vehicle itself is damaged,” he said.