Rwanda has operated a left-hand drive vehicle system for more than a decade. However, a new road traffic law passed by parliament on January 5 allows certain right-hand drive vehicles to operate legally in the country.
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, the provision does not change Rwanda’s overall road use policy. Instead, it preserves exemptions first introduced in the 2015 revision of the 2002 Presidential Decree governing road traffic.
Policy Rooted in Trade and Practicality
The ministry said the exemptions responded to long-standing requests from cross-border traders. These operators argued that allowing right-hand drive vehicles would improve efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
Under the new law, exemptions apply to specific categories. These include vehicles designed for people with disabilities, heavy-duty trucks carrying loads above 20 tonnes, and cross-border passenger buses.
In addition, agricultural and construction vehicles qualify. Tourist vehicles and transit vehicles that operate temporarily in Rwanda also fall under the exemptions.
Inclusivity for Drivers With Disabilities
During parliamentary deliberations, Jimmy Gasore, the Minister of Infrastructure, said inclusivity played a key role in the decision.
He explained that vehicles adapted for persons with disabilities often come in specialised designs. As a result, some drivers cannot comfortably use standard left-hand drive vehicles.
“In some cases, a person with a disability may struggle to enter or operate a left-hand drive vehicle because of their condition,” Gasore told lawmakers. “Allowing right-hand drive vehicles in these circumstances ensures their mobility needs are recognised.”
Supporting Regional Trade Corridors
The minister also highlighted the economic rationale behind exempting heavy-duty trucks used in cross-border trade.
According to Gasore, most countries along the Central and Northern transport corridors in East Africa operate right-hand drive systems. Therefore, forcing trucks to switch configurations creates inefficiencies.
“These trucks may travel up to 1,500 kilometres outside Rwanda but operate only about 200 kilometres within the country,” he said. “For most of their journey, they are in right-hand drive environments.”
As a result, the government concluded that allowing such vehicles makes economic and operational sense.
Boosting Regional Mobility and Tourism
Lawmakers also emphasised the importance of facilitating regional movement. Hope Tumukunde Gasatura, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security, said the exemptions would ease cross-border travel.
According to him, the measure supports trade, tourism and regional integration between Rwanda and neighbouring countries.
Maintaining Road Safety Standards
Overall, the government stressed that the exemptions are limited and clearly defined. Rwanda will continue to operate a left-hand drive system, while allowing specific right-hand drive vehicles where inclusivity, trade efficiency and regional mobility justify the exception.
