Arusha District Police Commander Georgina Matagi said the operation aims to improve road safety, with dozens of illegal lights having so far been impounded and their owners fined in the area
Dar es Salaam/Upcountry. The Police Force, in collaboration with motorcycle taxi (bodaboda) leaders, has launched an operation to impound motorcycles and tuk-tuks fitted with unauthorised lights and modified exhaust systems.
The move follows complaints from the public linking high-intensity and decorative lights to night-time accidents on highways and feeder roads.
Arusha District Police Commander Georgina Matagi said the operation aims to improve road safety. So far, 248 substandard lights have been seized, some emitting brightness comparable to that of heavy vehicles.
“There are lights known as ‘owl eyes’ that can mislead drivers into thinking they are facing a car, yet it is a motorcycle. This has caused accidents,” she said.
Ms Matagi said that some riders conceal registration numbers using nicknames or unclear symbols, making it difficult to identify vehicles involved in crime.
The operation also targets noise pollution caused by modified exhaust systems. Offenders are required to remove unauthorised equipment and are fined.
She noted that some riders spend up to Sh80,000 on lights but lack driving licences, which cost about Sh70,000.
“The business is important for livelihoods, but it must follow safety standards,” she said, urging riders to remove illegal equipment.
In Iringa, Regional Police Commander Allan Bukumbi said a similar operation is underway, also targeting overloading and unsafe vehicles. Some tuk-tuks have been impounded.
Head of the Traffic Police Unit SACP William Mkonda said the operation is nationwide and includes public education.
Arusha District Administrative Secretary Jacob Rombo said informal garages installing such lights will also be targeted.
Traders in Dar es Salaam said enforcement should start at the import stage, noting that they sell products cleared through official channels.
“We import legally and pay taxes, but later the products are banned on the streets,” said Kariakoo trader Salum Mussa.
Mechanic Hassan Said called for more public education before enforcement.
Tanzania Revenue Authority Commissioner Yusuph Mwenda said no permits are issued for prohibited goods and warned against smuggling.
Some riders defended the lights, saying they improve visibility, while drivers said they increase accident risks.
Authorities in several regions said the operation will continue, urging compliance with road safety regulations.
