(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Traffic Police have issued a nationwide directive requiring motorists and public transport operators to comply with specific vehicle standards within seven days, a move that is expected to affect daily transport operations and related business activity across the country.
Major General Kon John Akot, Director General of the Traffic Police, announced the order in a statement issued in Juba. The directive bans the use of right hand drive vehicles, tinted windows, and certain public transport door configurations, with strict enforcement planned once the grace period expires.
Under the new measures, motorists are required to remove all stickers from tinted windows or replace dark glass with clear glass to allow full visibility from outside the vehicle. The police say this is necessary to improve road safety and security checks.
Owners of right hand drive vehicles have been instructed to convert their steering wheels to the left side. This requirement is aimed at aligning vehicles with national driving standards and reducing accident risks linked to poor visibility and road positioning.
Public transport operators are also affected. Minibuses are required to have sliding doors positioned on the right side of the vehicle. According to traffic authorities, this configuration is intended to improve passenger safety when boarding and disembarking.
Major General Akot stated that the directive is not new policy but enforcement of existing government decisions. He said the measures are based on a Cabinet resolution passed in 2019 and an order issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 2020 concerning vehicle and minibus specifications.
The Traffic Police have warned that enforcement will be firm after the seven day period. Vehicles found in violation may face penalties, including fines or impoundment, which could increase operating costs for transport businesses and private owners.
Motorists and operators have been urged to use the remaining days to make the required mechanical and visual changes. Garages, spare parts dealers, and vehicle service providers are expected to see increased demand as owners rush to comply.
The directive comes amid growing tension between the Ministry of Interior and the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. Lawmakers recently raised concerns about several traffic related measures, including new driving test fees and changes to licence and logbook renewal periods, arguing that they were introduced without proper legal backing.
Parliament has indicated plans to summon the Minister of Interior to explain the recent directives. Despite this, the Traffic Police maintain that the current vehicle restrictions are grounded in earlier government resolutions and remain valid.
For businesses involved in transport, logistics, and vehicle services, the directive signals tighter regulation and the need to factor compliance costs into operations. The coming days are likely to test how quickly the sector can adapt before enforcement begins.
Key vehicle requirements
| Requirement | What motorists must do |
|---|---|
| Tinted windows | Remove stickers or replace dark glass with clear glass |
| Right hand drive vehicles | Convert steering to the left side |
| Public transport doors | Ensure sliding doors are on the right side |
