Requirements for vehicles in Zimbabwe

In terms of Statutory Instrument 154 of 2010, members are reminded that requirements for reflectors and other markings necessary, plus equipment to be carried by motorists in vehicles in Zimbabwe, include the following. All reflectors on vehicles in Zimbabwe must be of the honeycomb or diamond grade, Writes Victoriafalls-guide.

There has been some confusion on exactly what the requirement is for the rear of pickups (highlighted in yellow) but this has been clarified as indicated and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) are currently rigidly enforcing this requirement. (Note that Twin Cabs are classified as commercial vehicles under SI 154.)

Requirements for all vehicles driven in Zimbabwe:-

1. 1kg serviceable fire extinguisher certified by Standards Association of Zimbabwe. (South Africa extinguishers appear to pass no problem as long as they are the correct mass - over 0.75kgs)

2. 2 x breakdown triangles, plus another two for any trailer or caravan towed.

3. Reflectors as follows, must be of 'honeycomb' or 'diamond' grade:

2 x white (60mm x 50mm) either side at front (or 60mm diameter if circular) for non- commercial vehicles.

2 x red (60mm x 50mm) at either side to rear (or 60mm diameter if circular) for non-commercial vehicles.

Continuous red reflector strip (50mm wide) to within not less than 400mm of the outer edges at rear for pickups and twin cabs and light trailers.

Continuous yellow reflector strip down sides of both vehicle and trailer if combined length is more than 8 metres.

4. GVM and NMV figures on left side of pickups and twin cabs.

5. Trailers to have a reflective white 'T" and a reflective red 'T' (honeycomb type) on a black background facing to the front and rear of the trailer respectively.

6. All vehicles must have a serviceable spare wheel, jack and wheel spanner.

It should be noted that reflectors are not required inside vehicle doors and nor is there any requirement to carry reflective jackets in ordinary private vehicles - although it does make sense to carry one in case of an emergency.

Some other vehicle battery info.

So far as batteries are concerned the relevant section is 56 (1) (c) which states that 'No person shall operate on a road a motor vehicle unless the electrical wiring and battery are properly installed, insulated and maintained so that such wiring and battery do not constitute a source of danger'. It should be obvious if a clamp or similar securing device is missing from the vehicle but I admit that 'should' doesn't always apply.

If travelling in a bakkie or twin-cab. These are classed as commercial vehicles in S.I. 154. The requirement is set out in Section 38. It calls for a continuous strip of red reflective material, not less than 50mm in width, fixed to the rear of the vehicle(!) and extending horizontally to indicate the vehicle's width to within 400 mms on either side. The problem of 'Diamond Grade' material is found in Section 32 of the regulations read with the Third Schedule. Essentially this is the highest grade of reflective material and I doubt that it is always freely available. The only solution seems to be to go to reputable motor spares suppliers to try to find some.

'Spot Fines' do not exist without an official receipt - Form Z69(j) - Admission of Guilt. If you do not wish/cannot pay on the spot you should ask for a form 265 for payment at any police station within 7 days. You are entitled to be given the force number of any police officer you deal with.

The ZRP has stated that if you feel that you have been harassed, bribes have been hinted or that your treatment has been generally aggressive you should contct:

Superintendent Ncube 0772 719 730 or 0712 769 768
Superintendent Kangware 0712 415 491
National Complaints Line (24 hour service) (04)703631.

It is not easy to establish what the correct fines are for genuine offences.

Below are some of the fines associated with reflectors




I hope that this information may be useful.