Ghana's Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), take effect on October 1, introducing fines up to GH¢2,400 and possible imprisonment.

The new regulations set out fines and, in some cases, jail time for a wide range of driving- and road-related offences. Below are 15 key offences and their corresponding penalties (1 penalty unit is equivalent to GH¢12):

1. Street racing, drag racing or speed competitions (Section 221): 10 to 25 penalty units (GH¢120 to GH¢300), imprisonment up to 30 days, or both.

2. Failure to stop at STOP or YIELD signs (Section 222): 10 to 30 penalty units (GH¢120 to GH¢360), imprisonment up to 30 days, or both.

3. Jumping a red light (Section 222(7)(8)): 10 to 30 penalty units (GH¢120 to GH¢360), imprisonment up to 30 days, or both.

4. Railway crossing violations (Section 223): 5 to 25 penalty units (GH¢60 to GH¢300) or imprisonment up to 30 days.

5. Overtaking at pedestrian crossings (Section 224): 10 to 25 penalty units (GH¢120 to GH¢300) or imprisonment up to 30 days.

6. Disobeying traffic control officers or devices (Section 226(3)): 10 to 25 penalty units (GH¢120 to GH¢300) or imprisonment up to 30 days.

7. Unauthorised use of bus stops or taxi stands (Section 227(3)): 10 to 25 penalty units (GH¢120 to GH¢300) or imprisonment up to 30 days.

8. Parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities (Section 228(3)): up to 25 penalty units (GH¢300), imprisonment up to eight months, or both.

9. Driving in a procession without obeying the rules (Section 229(2)): 10 to 25 penalty units (GH¢120 to GH¢300) or imprisonment up to 30 days.

10. Driving through a funeral or authorised procession (Section 230(3)): 10 to 25 penalty units (GH¢120 to GH¢300) or imprisonment up to 30 days.

11. Stopping or parking buses/taxis outside designated areas (Section 231(4)): 10 to 25 penalty units (GH¢120 to GH¢300) or imprisonment up to 30 days.

12. Failure to provide facilities for persons with disabilities on public transport (Section 232(2)): 10 to 25 penalty units (GH¢120 to GH¢300) or imprisonment up to 30 days.

13. Improper or double parking (Section 235): 10 to 25 penalty units (GH¢120 to GH¢300) or imprisonment up to 30 days.

14. Outdoor advertising signs obstructing traffic controls (Section 236(3)): 25 to 50 penalty units (GH¢300 to GH¢600) or imprisonment up to three months.

15. Operating a television monitor while driving (Section 237(2)): up to 25 penalty units (GH¢300), imprisonment up to 30 days, or both.

Automated offences detected by traffic cameras carry graduated fines starting at GH¢120 for a first offence, rising to GH¢240 by a fifth offence, with a sixth offence within 24 months potentially resulting in licence suspension of at least 12 months and mandatory retraining.

Background

The Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), replace older provisions and expand the scope of enforceable offences, including parking violations, procession conduct, and restrictions around funerals and public transport stops. With automated cameras now empowered to detect and penalise offences, authorities expect a shift toward more consistent, technology-driven enforcement once the regulations take full effect.