The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has halted the instant fines system with immediate effect.
According to reports, the system that began operations on March 9 on major highways, has initiated lawsuits and public outcry.
In a notice on Friday, March 27, 2026, NTSA explained that the sudden reversal is necessary to allow for further civic education and public awareness on the proper procedures for handling minor traffic offences under the Traffic Act.
“The National Transport and Safety Authority wishes to inform the public of the withdrawal of the public notice announcing the go-live of the instant fines issued on March 9, 2026,” part of the notice read.
“This withdrawal has been necessitated by the realisation that the public needs to understand the details and standard procedure of handling minor traffic offences as defined in Section 117 of the Traffic Act”, the statement added.
However, the authorities stated that they are working on the new standard procedures, which will be communicated to the public in due course following completion of stakeholder engagement.
This comes after the High Court issued orders barring NTSA from implementing the instant fines system.
The matter is currently pending court and is set to be mentioned on April 9 to confirm compliance and determine directions for the hearing of the case.
