Zimbabwe Demerit Points System Could Cost Drivers Licences
In short
- Paul Nyathi said repeat traffic offenders could lose driving licences under a proposed demerit points system.
- The proposed point allocations, threshold and commencement date still require confirmation.
Zimbabwean motorists who repeatedly break traffic laws could lose their driving licences under a demerit points system the government is preparing, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said on Monday 2 November 2026. He spoke at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Harare.
In a demerit points system, each traffic offence carries a set number of points, and a driver's licence is withdrawn once the total passes a limit. Police have not said how many points each offence would carry or what the limit would be. No start date has been announced.
Demerit points system could end in licence withdrawal
Nyathi said the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development is working towards the system, which would penalise motorists for traffic violations. ZiFM Stereo News quoted him as saying:
"Some drivers will lose their licences because of the points demerit system." — Commissioner Paul Nyathi, national spokesperson, Zimbabwe Republic Police
Nyathi also described what happens after a motorist receives a traffic offence notice. The driver has seven days to respond and a further seven days to appear in court, he said. A driver who does neither faces a warrant of arrest, and police can then arrest them, combine the docket and bring them before the courts.
Drivers need accurate information about proposed licence penalties and the procedure for responding to traffic notices.
Police step up camera monitoring and warn pedestrians
Assistant Commissioner Gomo said officers deployed on the roads use communication radios linked to a technical support team. That team tracks suspected offenders captured by the Electronic Traffic Management System cameras.
Police also warned pedestrians against jaywalking in Harare's Central Business District. They said reckless road crossing adds to congestion and exposes people to danger. Nyathi said pedestrians must use designated crossing points and that existing laws against jaywalking will be enforced.
He called on Harare City Council to support enforcement efforts to prevent traffic offences and loss of life.
Police have yet to say when the first points will be counted.
Reporting based on ZiFM Stereo News coverage.
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