Benin intensifies road safety enforcement and traffic checks

In Benin, new road safety enforcement measures have been implemented as of September 21, 2026. The National Road Safety Center (CNSR) and the Republican Police are conducting increased roadside checks to ensure compliance with the highway code.

Authorities are specifically targeting infractions such as running red lights, failing to wear helmets or seatbelts, using mobile phones while driving, speeding, driving in the wrong direction, and overloading vehicles. In Cotonou, initial operations resulted in the interception of over 40 motorcyclists within a single hour for various violations.

Penalties for these infractions include fines, vehicle immobilization, or seizure. The CNSR warned that vehicle impoundment could significantly disrupt the livelihoods of drivers who rely on their vehicles for work.