Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The Egyptian government has approved sweeping amendments to the country’s traffic law, significantly increasing fines and penalties for a wide range of road violations in an effort to reduce accidents, improve road safety, and protect public health.
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, agreed on Wednesday to a draft law amending several provisions of the Traffic Law No. 66 of 1973. The amendments focus on imposing tougher punishments for repeat and high-risk offenses, strengthening deterrence, and addressing behaviors that contribute to traffic chaos, environmental pollution, and infrastructure damage.
Under the revised provisions, driving an unlicensed vehicle or failing to renew a vehicle’s license on time will result in the vehicle being administratively seized. Owners will be required to pay the full annual tax retroactively, calculated from the date of purchase, importation, or the day following the expiration of the previous license. In addition, an extra tax equivalent to one-third of the annual tax will be imposed, for up to five years.
Speeding and violating designated traffic lanes will also carry steeper penalties. Drivers who exceed speed limits or fail to adhere to assigned lanes will face fines ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 Egyptian pounds.
One of the most notable changes concerns environmental and public safety violations. The amended law introduces fines between 5,000 and 15,000 pounds for drivers who pollute roads by dumping waste, construction debris, or other materials. The same penalties apply to vehicles that emit excessive noise, release thick smoke or harmful exhaust, carry unsecured or leaking loads, transport flammable or hazardous materials improperly, or otherwise endanger road users.
Repeat offenses within six months will result in doubled fines, while a third violation within a year will lead to both a fine and the suspension of the driver’s license for one year.
The amendments also expand the scope of offenses punishable by imprisonment. Driving a vehicle without a valid license, using fake or altered license plates, concealing or tampering with plate information, or operating vehicles with plates not officially assigned to them may result in up to one year in prison, a fine between 2,000 and 5,000 pounds, or both. Penalties are doubled for repeat offenses within a year, and a third offense mandates imprisonment. Company managers may also be held criminally liable if they are aware of violations committed under their supervision, with corporate entities jointly responsible for paying financial penalties.
Driving without a driver’s license or violating key safety provisions of the law may now result in up to six months in prison, fines of up to 5,000 pounds, or both, with penalties doubled for repeat offenses within a year.
In addition, the law imposes fines ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 pounds for violating specific provisions related to vehicle operation standards, with fines doubled if the same offense is repeated within six months of a final conviction.
The amendments further address serious traffic dangers, including excessive speeding by heavy transport vehicles, operating vehicles without functional brakes, deliberately providing false information in official documents, obstructing traffic, operating unlicensed driving schools, and assaulting traffic police officers while on duty. These violations may lead to prison sentences of up to six months, fines, or both, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders. A third offense within a short period can result in imprisonment for up to one year.
Officials say the new measures are part of a broader strategy to reduce road fatalities, improve traffic discipline, and hold both individuals and institutions accountable for actions that threaten safety and public order. The draft law is expected to be submitted to parliament for final approval in the coming period.
