Zambia Road Traffic, Fleet and Driver Licensing Information Hub
A practical starting point for drivers, vehicle owners, employers and transport operators. Check your duties, follow official service links and arrange ZRST training for drivers or fleet teams.
Last legally reviewed: 18 September 2026Understanding road traffic safety in Zambia
Drivers must use the road within the conditions of their licence and obey traffic controls. Owners and operators must keep vehicles licensed and fit for their intended use. Public service and goods-vehicle operations carry added licensing duties. Source: Road Traffic Act, 2002
Driver duties
- Obey posted speed limits and traffic signs.
- Use seat belts where fitted and required.
- Do not drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Do not use a vehicle carelessly or without the correct licence class.
- Stop and follow the legal process after a crash.
Owner duties
- Keep registration and annual vehicle licensing current.
- Maintain the vehicle in a roadworthy state.
- Hold the insurance required by law.
- Obtain fitness certification or other inspection where the vehicle class or use requires it.
Employer duties
Before assigning work, check that the driver is competent, properly licensed and fit for the task, and that the vehicle and journey can be managed safely.
Good practice: written authorisation, licence checks, induction, fatigue controls, daily checks, incident review and refresher training.
Legal requirement or good practice? Speed limits, licensing, roadworthiness, insurance and conduct after a crash arise from law. Telematics, coaching, journey-risk review and internal safety audits may be sound management practice unless an operator’s licence, contract or another binding rule makes them compulsory.
Fleet safety management
Fleet safety management is the organised control of risks created by vehicles, drivers and work journeys. Any organisation that sends people onto the road for work can benefit from it. The precise legal duties depend on the vehicle, use and operator-licensing status.
What section 107 covers
Section 107, as replaced by the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act No. 8 of 2022, governs applications to operate public service vehicles or goods vehicles. It places fleet-related information within the road-service licensing process. It should not be quoted as applying automatically to every private car owned by every organisation.
Road Traffic (Amendment) Act No. 8 of 2022, section 107What ZS 1215 does
ZS 1215:2021, Fleet Safety Management, Requirements, Part 1: Commercial Vehicles, sets a technical framework for commercial fleet-safety systems. A published Zambian standard is not, by that fact alone, a universal law for every vehicle owner. Confirm with ZABS, ZCSA and RTSA whether the standard is binding on your operation through a compulsory instrument, licence condition, procurement term or contract.
ZABS standards and purchase service ZCSA compulsory standards serviceA workable fleet-safety system
Governance
PolicyNamed managerObjectivesRecordsSet responsibilities, approval controls, reporting lines and review dates.
Drivers
RecruitmentLicence checksInductionRisk assessmentCheck identity, licence class, competence and fitness before driving work begins.
Operations
FatigueAlcohol and drugsJourney plansTelematicsControl hours, routes, speed, high-risk travel and unsafe behaviour.
Vehicles
Daily checksMaintenanceDefectsInspectionsPrevent dispatch where a safety-critical defect is unresolved.
After an incident
Emergency responseEvidenceInquiryCorrective actionProtect life first, meet reporting duties, preserve records and address root causes.
Assurance
AuditsTrendsManagement reviewTrainingTest whether written controls work in vehicles, depots and daily supervision.
Motor-vehicle licensing and roadworthiness
A vehicle used on a public road must meet the applicable registration, licensing, insurance and roadworthiness rules. The exact inspection and certificate requirements depend on vehicle class and use. Use RTSA or the Government’s driver-services portal for the current application and fee. Government of Zambia, driver services
Core checks
- Registration particulars match the vehicle and owner.
- Annual motor-vehicle licence, often called road tax, is current.
- Required third-party motor insurance is current.
- Number plates and displayed certificates are valid.
- Safety-critical systems and equipment are roadworthy.
Additional controls
Public service vehicles, goods vehicles and certain specialised vehicles may need road-service licensing, certificates of fitness, inspections or other permits. Vehicle use, seating, weight, construction and the carriage of passengers or goods affect the answer. Confirm the vehicle-specific checklist with RTSA before operation.
RTSA official websiteRenewal checklist
- Check the expiry dates on the vehicle licence, insurance, fitness certificate and operator documents.
- Confirm that owner and vehicle details are correct.
- Clear defects before presenting the vehicle for an inspection.
- Use the current RTSA or ZamPortal service and current fee schedule.
- Keep the receipt and issued document, then update the fleet register.
- Do not dispatch the vehicle if a required licence, certificate or insurance has expired.
Driving licences
RTSA administers driving-licence services under the Road Traffic Act and the Road Traffic (Driving Licence) Regulations, 2020. The licence category must match the vehicle. Current applications and renewals should be completed through RTSA-authorised services. Government driver services
Learner stage
Use the official process for the provisional or learner authority, receive instruction for the intended category, and meet the applicable theory and practical test requirements.
Licence categories
Zambia uses category codes matched to motorcycles, light vehicles, passenger vehicles, goods vehicles and combinations. Because categories have migrated and vehicle limits matter, check the current RTSA category table before training or assigning a vehicle.
RTSA category informationMedical and professional use
Medical evidence, tests or added operator requirements may apply depending on the licence category, health status and professional use. Confirm the current requirement directly with RTSA.
Authority: ZRST can train and prepare a driver. ZRST cannot issue, renew, suspend or revoke a Zambian driving licence, road-service licence or certificate of fitness. Those decisions remain with RTSA or another legally responsible authority.
Public service and goods-vehicle operators
A person intending to operate a public service vehicle or goods vehicle must follow the road-service licensing process in section 107. An application does not guarantee approval. RTSA may require the prescribed application, vehicle and ownership details, insurance and fitness records, route or service information, fleet-safety material and other documents relevant to the proposed operation. Road Traffic (Amendment) Act No. 8 of 2022
Forms, laws and service links
| Document or service | What it is used for | Responsible authority | Official link | Date checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road Traffic Act, 2002 | Primary road traffic, vehicle, driver and operator law | National Assembly of Zambia | View the consolidated Act | 18 Sep 2026 |
| Road Traffic (Amendment) Act No. 8 of 2022 | Amendments including the section 107 operator-licensing framework | National Assembly / RTSA | Act record · RTSA PDF | 18 Sep 2026 |
| Driving Licence Regulations, 2020 | Driving licence categories and procedures | Government of Zambia / RTSA | View regulations | 18 Sep 2026 |
| Driver and vehicle e-services | Driving-licence and vehicle service access | Government of Zambia | Open ZamPortal | 18 Sep 2026 |
| RTSA information and notices | Current forms, fees, licensing notices and service guidance | RTSA | Open RTSA | 18 Sep 2026 |
| ZS 1215:2021 | Official standards enquiry or purchase for commercial fleet-safety requirements | ZABS | ZABS standards service | 18 Sep 2026 |
| Compulsory standards list | Check whether a standard has compulsory status | ZCSA | ZCSA standards service | 18 Sep 2026 |
Some public websites change document addresses. If a document link moves, use the named authority’s home page and search by the exact title. ZRST does not host unauthorised copies of paid standards.
Train drivers. Test fleet controls. Reduce avoidable risk.
ZRST provides practical road-safety training for individuals and organisations in Lusaka and by arrangement for workplace teams.
Learner and refresher drivers
Theory and practical learner-driver training, return-to-driving support and refresher sessions for drivers who need stronger control, observation and judgement.
Driver behaviour
Defensive driving, transport psychology and behaviour-based driver education focused on real decisions, risk habits and responsibility behind the wheel.
Fleet teams
Fleet-driver induction, driver risk assessment, fleet-safety management training, staff road-safety talks, fleet reviews and safety audits.
Important: ZRST training supports safer driving and workplace compliance. It does not replace an RTSA licence, statutory driving test, permit, vehicle inspection or regulatory approval.
Training enquiries: +260 961 475 610 · info@zambianroadsafety.org · Contact ZRST
Frequently asked questions
Is fleet safety management compulsory in Zambia?
For public service and goods-vehicle operators, fleet-safety material forms part of the section 107 road-service licensing framework. Other fleets must meet the laws that apply to their vehicles and work, but section 107 should not be presented as a blanket rule for every private company car. Confirm the exact requirement with RTSA.
Does ZS 1215 apply to every company vehicle?
No universal application has been stated here. ZS 1215:2021 addresses commercial vehicles. Ask ZABS, ZCSA and RTSA whether it is binding on your operation through a compulsory instrument, licence condition, procurement rule or contract.
Who issues driving licences in Zambia?
RTSA administers driving-licence services under the Road Traffic Act and applicable regulations.
Can ZRST issue a driving licence?
No. ZRST provides training and safety support. It does not issue or renew driving licences.
What documents must a driver carry?
The answer depends on the driver, vehicle and operation. At minimum, ensure that the driver has the correct valid licence and that the vehicle’s required licence, insurance, fitness and operator documents are current and available as the law requires. Confirm the current document list with RTSA.
How can an employer verify a driver’s licence?
Inspect the original licence, match the identity and category to the assigned vehicle, record the expiry date and use an RTSA-approved verification route. Obtain the driver’s consent where personal data is processed.
When does a vehicle require a certificate of fitness?
Fitness requirements depend on vehicle class and use, especially public service, goods and specialised operations. Give RTSA the registration and intended use and request the exact current requirement.
What should an employer do after a company-vehicle crash?
Protect life, call emergency services where needed, secure the scene without creating more danger, meet police and insurer reporting duties, preserve records, support those affected and conduct a fair root-cause inquiry. Do not delay urgent legal reporting while waiting for an internal review.
Does defensive-driving training replace an RTSA test?
No. Training can improve skill and judgement but cannot replace a statutory test or licensing decision.
How can a company arrange fleet training?
Call ZRST on +260 961 475 610, email info@zambianroadsafety.org or use the ZRST contact page. State the fleet type, number of drivers, location, main risks and preferred dates.
Where should I check current fees?
Use RTSA or the Government’s ZamPortal service. Do not rely on an old screenshot or third-party fee list.
Can a road-service licence application be refused?
Yes. Submission is not approval. RTSA assesses the application against the applicable law, prescribed information and operating conditions.