The Tanzania Police Force has moved to calm concerns among motorists and transport operators, saying the much-discussed driver demerit-point system has not yet taken effect and no driver has lost a licence through point deductions.
The clarification follows claims circulating among some drivers that the system was already being enforced, amid tensions that have contributed to disruptions in transport services.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Commissioner of Police for Operations and Training, CP Awadh Juma Haji, said authorities were still preparing road users through public education before implementation begins.
“Up to now, no driver has had their licence revoked through the deduction of points. The process has not yet started,” CP Haji said.
The police statement is likely to ease uncertainty among drivers who had expressed concern over how the system would affect their licences and livelihoods.
Under the system, drivers who commit specified traffic offences can accumulate penalty points, with the mechanism intended to improve compliance with road safety regulations and curb dangerous driving.
However, CP Haji said the system would only be implemented through established legal procedures and that drivers would receive official information when the enforcement process begins.
He urged drivers who comply with traffic laws not to fear the system, saying its objective was to improve road safety and protect lives and property rather than unfairly punish motorists.
The commissioner also said drivers who believe they had been treated unfairly after implementation would have the right to challenge decisions through the procedures provided by law.
As authorities seek to clear up confusion over the system, CP Haji warned against using the issue as a reason to disrupt transport services.
He said police would take legal action against individuals found blocking buses, trucks or other vehicles from operating.
Regional police commanders have been directed to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of drivers, passengers and vehicles, he said.
CP Haji urged drivers and transport operators to continue with their normal activities while relying on official communication rather than unverified information about the demerit-point system.
The clarification places the immediate focus on public awareness, with the actual enforcement of the demerit system still pending.