Benin road safety enforcement campaign

Authorities in Benin have launched intensified road safety inspections and enforcement measures across major cities, including Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Parakou, and Bohicon.

Initially, the National Road Safety Center (CNSR) focused on reinforced controls regarding traffic light compliance, helmet and seatbelt usage, mobile phone restrictions, and the verification of administrative documents. While early reports suggested that violating red lights could lead to vehicle impoundment, official confirmation of that specific penalty was pending.

Following the implementation of these measures, the CNSR and Republican Police have expanded roadside checks to target a wider range of infractions, including speeding, driving in the wrong direction, and vehicle overloading. In Cotonou, enforcement operations have already resulted in the interception of dozens of motorcyclists in short periods. Penalties for violations now explicitly include fines, vehicle immobilization, or seizure. The CNSR has noted that vehicle impoundment may significantly impact the livelihoods of drivers who depend on their vehicles for work.