Gov’t lifts ban on preaching and hawking in moving vehicles
The government has suspended the implementation of a provision in the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026, which prohibits preaching and hawking in moving public and commercial vehicles.
The decision follows public debate over the regulation, particularly concerns about its potential impact on religious expression and evangelism in commercial vehicles.
The provision, contained in Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), prohibits causing or permitting a nuisance, including preaching and hawking, in a public or commercial vehicle while it is in motion.
Under the regulation, offenders face a fine ranging from 10 to 50 penalty units, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both.
The provision has attracted attention from religious leaders and other stakeholders, who have raised concerns about how the restrictions could affect religious activities commonly conducted aboard commercial buses.
The suspension is expected to provide temporary relief amid the ongoing public discussion surrounding the regulation. However, it remains unclear whether the government intends to review the provision or introduce changes to its implementation.
As of the time of reporting, the government had not issued a public statement providing further details on the suspension or outlining the next steps regarding the regulation.
Source: Sekunde FM
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