Rwanda’s Parliament Approves Road Traffic Law Amendments Amid Debate on Vehicle Seizure Clause

Rwanda’s Parliament, sitting as the Chamber of Deputies, has approved amendments to Law No. 34/1987 governing road traffic and road use in Rwanda, with particular attention to Article 18, which outlines the grounds for impounding a vehicle, including failure to complete ownership transfer procedures after the sale of a vehicle, commonly known as mutation.

Under the amended provision, a vehicle that is not registered in the name of its new owner after purchase may be temporarily impounded, a measure aimed at enforcing the law and safeguarding the public interest.

During plenary debates, several Members of Parliament raised concerns that the provision could be perceived as an intrusion into citizens’ private lives. MP Mukabalisa Germaine acknowledged the importance of law enforcement but cautioned against potential negative effects on citizens.

She stated: “We fully support compliance with the law, but we must also ask ourselves whether impounding a vehicle due to issues related to mutation does not amount to interfering in a citizen’s private affairs, especially when the delay is unintentional.”

Her colleague, MP Mukabunani Christine, emphasized that implementation of the law should go hand in hand with public awareness and proper guidance for citizens.

She said: “Some citizens are not fully aware of the requirements related to mutation. The law should be accompanied by education and support, rather than being used solely as a punitive instrument.”

On the other hand, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security, Ambassador Tumukunde Hope Gasatura, defended the provision, noting that proper registration of vehicles under their rightful owners is essential for good governance and effective public finance management.

He explained: “When a vehicle is not registered under its legitimate owner, it creates room for tax evasion. Mutation is not merely a private matter; it directly affects the national interest.”

Ambassador Gasatura further noted that the law enables the state to accurately identify and transparently manage assets within the country.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, also underscored that proper vehicle registration is a key pillar in crime prevention and national security.

He said: “Vehicles that are not properly registered can easily be used in criminal activities. When mutation is not completed, it becomes difficult for security organs to track crimes. This law contributes significantly to safeguarding the security of Rwandans.”

Minister Gasore added that the objective of the law is not to punish citizens, but rather to ensure order, compliance, and protection.

According to the approved law, a vehicle may be impounded for a maximum period of three months, calculated from the date the decision is authorized by a competent authority. If, after this period, the vehicle owner or their legally recognized representative fails to retrieve the vehicle, it may be sold at public auction or destroyed, in accordance with applicable laws.

These measures reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening vehicle management systems, enhancing road safety, and promoting governance anchored in the rule of law, while calling on responsible institutions to intensify public awareness efforts to ensure citizens fully understand their obligations