The Police républicaine has implemented reinforced controls on traffic lights, helmet use, mobile phone usage, and traffic lanes across Bénin since 21 September 2026. This initiative, which began on 21 September 2026, represents a full approach to monitoring the daily habits of motorists. Commissioner Jean-Marie Sèglé, director of public security at the Police républicaine, outlined this strategy during the 'Grand Angle' program on the SRTB on 1 November 2026. Addressing the necessity of enforcement, Jean-Marie Sèglé stated, "la sanction est un moyen obligé." He further explained the operational limitations of the police force, noting, "on ne peut pas mettre des policiers à tous les carrefours." These measures mark a shift toward establishing a more consistent road safety culture for all drivers, moving beyond temporary campaigns toward sustained regulatory oversight. The strategy focuses on ensuring that road users adhere to the fundamental rules of the road, including the proper use of protective gear and the avoidance of distractions while operating a vehicle.
Increased Enforcement and Impoundments
Police officers seized more than 3,000 vehicles between 20 September and 2 October 2026. These impoundments formed part of a wider effort to enforce compliance with national traffic regulations during that period. The sheer volume of vehicles removed from the road shows the intensity of the enforcement operation conducted by the Police républicaine. By targeting specific violations, the authorities aim to reduce the frequency of traffic incidents that frequently occur due to non-compliance with established safety protocols.
Gildas Amoussou, head of the road user behavior service at the Centre national de sécurité routière, identified a primary obstacle to these enforcement goals. He stated, "le maillon le plus faible, c’est l’acceptation de la règle." According to the perspective of the Centre national de sécurité routière, the success of these traffic initiatives relies heavily on the willingness of the public to adopt safer driving practices as a standard behavior rather than a reaction to police presence.
On 22 October 2026, the police issued a directive concerning vehicle modifications. Officers notified the public that any vehicles featuring non-compliant opaque windows would be removed from circulation. This specific measure is designed to improve visibility and ensure that vehicles conform to the safety standards required for public transit. Owners must repair these windows to meet regulatory standards before the vehicles are permitted to return to the road. The Police républicaine has indicated that this process requires owners to bring their vehicles into compliance with the law before they are released from impoundment. This ongoing effort reflects a broader commitment by the Police républicaine to standardize vehicle conditions and improve road safety across the nation. The authorities continue to monitor traffic patterns to assess the effectiveness of these measures in changing driver behavior over the long term.
