Traffic Rules & Fine Calculator

Estimate your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) based on drinks consumed, weight, and time. Legal limit in Zambia: 80 mg/100ml (0.08%).

Gender Male Female	Weight (kg)	Hours Since First Drink
Beer (330ml, 5%)	Wine (150ml, 12%)	Spirits (45ml, 40%)

Estimate BAC

Calculate total stopping distance (thinking + braking) based on speed and road conditions.

Speed (km/h)

Road Conditions Dry Road Wet / Rainy Icy / Very Slippery Gravel / Dirt Road

Reaction Time (sec)

Calculate Stopping Distance

Common traffic fines in Zambia under the Road Traffic Act. Amounts are indicative and subject to change.

Key traffic rules under the Zambian Road Traffic Act.

Speed Limits

Drink Driving Laws

• Legal BAC limit: 80 mg/100ml (0.08%) for drivers over 21
• Zero tolerance: For commercial drivers and drivers under 21
• Breathalyser tests: Police can require random breath tests
• Refusing a test: Treated as equivalent to drunk driving

Mandatory Requirements

• Valid driving licence — Must be carried while driving
• Vehicle insurance — Third-party minimum required
• Road tax disc — Must be displayed on windscreen
• Certificate of roadworthiness — Annual inspection required
• Seat belts — Mandatory for driver and all passengers
• Child restraints — Required for children under 5
• Helmet — Mandatory for motorcycle riders and passengers
• Reflective triangle — Must be carried in vehicle
• First aid kit — Recommended (required for commercial vehicles)
• Fire extinguisher — Required for commercial vehicles

Right of Way Rules

• Roundabouts: Traffic already in the roundabout has right of way
• 4-way stops: First to arrive goes first; if simultaneous, right side goes first
• T-junctions: Traffic on the through road has right of way
• Emergency vehicles: Must always give way to ambulances, fire trucks, police
• Pedestrians: Always have right of way at marked crossings

Mobile Phone & Distractions

• Handheld phone use: Illegal while driving
• Hands-free: Permitted but discouraged if it causes distraction
• Texting: Strictly prohibited while driving

What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Zambia?

The legal limit is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.08%) for drivers over 21. For commercial drivers and drivers under 21, the limit is zero — any detectable alcohol is an offence.

How many drinks can I have and still drive legally?

As a general guide, a 75 kg man can have about 2 standard drinks in 1 hour and stay under the limit. However, this varies significantly based on weight, gender, food intake, and metabolism. The safest answer is: don’t drink and drive.

What happens if I refuse a breathalyser test?

Refusing a breathalyser test when lawfully requested by a police officer is treated as equivalent to drunk driving. You can be arrested, fined, and have your licence suspended.

Do I need to carry my licence while driving?

Yes. You must carry your valid driving licence at all times while driving. Failure to produce it when requested by a police officer is an offence, though you may be given 7 days to produce it at a police station.

What is the penalty for using a mobile phone while driving?

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving carries a fine of K 500 – K 1,500 and 2 demerit points. If you cause an accident while using a phone, penalties are significantly higher.

Are seat belts mandatory for back seat passengers?

Yes. All passengers, regardless of seating position, must wear seat belts. The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers are belted. Children under 5 must use appropriate child restraints.

What should I do if I’m involved in an accident?

1. Stop immediately — never leave the scene (hit and run is a serious offence)
2. Check for injuries and call emergency services (999 or 991)
3. Move vehicles to the side if possible to avoid blocking traffic
4. Exchange details with other drivers (name, address, insurance, registration)
5. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and any damage
6. Report to the nearest police station within 24 hours
7. Notify your insurance company

Can police impound my vehicle?

Yes, in specific circumstances including: driving without a licence, no insurance, overloading, unroadworthy vehicle, or if the vehicle is involved in a crime. Impounded vehicles incur storage fees that must be paid before release.

What is the demerit points system?

Zambia uses a demerit points system where traffic offences add points to your licence. Accumulating too many points can lead to licence suspension. Points typically expire after 12 months of good driving.

Do traffic rules apply on private property?

Most traffic rules apply only on public roads. However, reckless or dangerous driving can still be prosecuted even on private property. Drink driving laws also apply in some private settings like parking lots open to the public.

What are the rules for overtaking?

• Only overtake on the right (except when vehicle ahead is turning right)
• Never overtake on bends, hills, or where visibility is limited
• Never overtake at pedestrian crossings or intersections
• Never overtake if you’d have to exceed the speed limit
• Use indicators before and after overtaking

How do I report a traffic offence I witnessed?

You can report traffic offences to the nearest police station or call the Zambia Police hotline. Dashcam footage is increasingly accepted as evidence. Provide as much detail as possible: vehicle registration, location, time, and nature of offence.