VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC

LAW

As Enacted by the

NATIONAL LEGISLATURE
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 TITLE 38
___________

VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC LAW

Approved: May 9, 1972

Effective: October 17, 1972

MONROVIA

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter

1. Preliminary Provisions
2. Licenses to Operate Motor Vehicles
A. Definitions
B. Issuance, Expiration, and Renewal
C. Cancellation, Suspensions, and Revocation of Licenses
D. Violations with Reference to License Provision
3. Registration of Vehicles
A. Registration of Motor Vehicles, Bicycles, and Trailers
B. Registration Fees
C. Penalties
4. Compulsory Liability Insurance
5. Civil Liability
6. Equipment of Vehicles
A. General
B. Brakes and Steering Mechanism
C. Sound Signaling Devices
D. Lamps and Lighting Equipment
E. Noise and Smoke Suppressors
F. Windows and Windshields
G. Tires
H. Miscellaneous Equipment
7. Dimensions, Weights, and Loads of Vehicles
8. Inspection of Motor Vehicles
9. Accidents
10. Rules of the Road
A. General Rules
B. Speed Restrictions
C. Driving to the Right; Overtaking, and Passing
D. Right of Way
E. Turning, Starting, and Stopping
F. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Lights

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 G. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
H. Driving under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
I. Pedestrian’s Rights and Duties
J. Special Vehicles
K. Preservation of Roads
L. Miscellaneous Rules
11. Administration
12. Violations: Traffic Tickets
A. Traffic Infractions
B. Traffic Tickets

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 Chapter 1. PRELIMINARY PROVISION

§ 1.1. Definition of terms.

§ 1.2. Application of title.
§ 1.3. Interpretation.
§ 1.4. Limitation on local traffic regulations.

§ 1.1. Definition of terms.

The following words and phrases when used in this title shall, for the purpose of this title, have the
meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section except where another definition is expressly
provided:

(a) The term “curb” means the vertical or sloping edging along a roadway clearly defining the
pavement edge.
(b) The term “driver” applies to a person who pushes, pulls, draws, propels, operates, or
supervises the propulsion or operation of a vehicle, or who drives, leads, or rides a horse or
draft animal or beast of burden.
(c) The term “highway” means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way,
paved or unpaved, which is intended for vehicular traffic.
(d) The term “Minister” means the Minister of Justice.
(e) The term “motor vehicle” means a vehicle which is self-propelled by means of an internal
combustion, oil compression, electric, stem, or other mechanical or chemical engine or
motor.
(f) The term “operator” refers to a person who operates or drives a motor vehicle.
(g) An “owner” is the person, other than a lien holder, who holds the legal title of a vehicle. The
term includes a person entitled to the use and possession of a vehicle subject to a security
interest in another person, but excludes a lessee under a lease not intended as security.
(h) The term “road” or “roadway” means that portion of a highway or street exclusive of the
shoulder.
(i) The term “shoulder” refers to an unpaved path which runs immediately alongside a paved or
finished road, and which shall be used for parking or emergency stops and for pedestrians
when there is no sidewalk or footpath.
(j) The term “sidewalk” means that portion of a street between property lines, intended for the
use of pedestrians.
(k) The term “street” means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way, paved
or unpaved, which is intended for vehicular traffic.
(l) The term “traffic court” means any court having jurisdiction over traffic infractions under the
provisions of the Judiciary Law.
(m) The term “vehicle” means: (i) any contrivance, whether or not self-propelled, which is
designed for the transportation or carriage of persons or things on land, except those which
are confined to tracks or rails; (ii) any horse or draft animal or beast of burden, whether
mounted or led; and (iii) any tractor or other farm or industrial equipment or machinery
when moving under its own power; provided that the term “vehicle” as used in this title

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 shall not be construed to apply to a perambulator or other vehicle not customarily employed
for transportation or carriage on the public streets or roads.

§ 1.2 Application of title.

The provisions of this title shall apply to roads publicly owned or controlled and the operation of
vehicles thereon. Subject to the contrary provisions of any contractual agreement by the
Government, the provisions of this title shall also apply to roads privately owned or controlled which
are open to public use, and to the operation of vehicles on such roads. Private roads not open to
public use shall be within the application of this title only in so far as expressly provided by statute.

§ 1.3. Interpretation.
The provision of this title shall be so interpreted as to effectuate its general purpose to make
uniform and modernize the traffic laws of Liberia.

§ 1.4. Limitation on local traffic regulations.

No county, township, territory, district created by special charter, city, municipal district, or
commonwealth district shall make, promulgate, or enforce any special rule or regulations duplicating
or contrary to any provision of this title or to the rules and regulations which may be promulgated in
pursuance thereof.

Chapter 2. LICENSES TO OPERATE MOTOR VEHICLES

Subchapter A. Definitions.
§ 2.1. Words and phrases defined.

Subchapter B. Issuance, Expiration, and Renewal.

§ 2.20. License requirement.
§ 2.21. Persons exempt from license requirement.
§ 2.22. Persons disqualified from receiving licenses.
§ 2.23. Instruction permits.
§ 2.24. Applications for instruction permits and licenses to operate motor vehicles.
§ 2.25. Applications of minors.
§ 2.26. Examination and qualification of applicants.
§ 2.27. License fees.
§ 2.28. Insurance and form of licenses.
§ 2.29. Possession of license when driving.
§ 2.30. Restricted licenses.
§ 2.31. Duplicate certificates.

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§ 2.32. Expiration of license; re-examination before renewal.
§ 2.33. Notice of change of address or name.
§ 2.34. Records to be kept by Minister.

Subchapter C. Cancellation, Suspension, and Revocation of Licenses.

§ 2.60. Authority to cancel license.
§ 2.61. Mandatory revocation of license.
§ 2.62. Suspension of license.
§ 2.63. Hearing following suspension.
§ 2.64. Effect of offenses by nonresidents.
§ 2.65. Suspending or revoking resident’s license on basis of conviction in other jurisdiction.
§ 2.66. Court records; information to Minister.
§ 2.67. Surrender of license to Minister and return to licensee.
§ 2.68. Minister may require re-examination.
§ 2.69. Period of suspension or revocation.
§ 2.70. No operation under foreign license during suspension or revocation in Republic.
§ 2.71. General provisions applicable to revocation or suspension.

Subchapter D. Violations with Reference to License Provisions.

§ 2.80. Unlawful use of license; operating vehicle without license; other violations.
§ 2.81. Driving while license suspended or revoked.
§ 2.82. Permitting unauthorized minor under 18 to operate motor vehicle.
§ 2.83. Permitting unauthorized person to operate motor vehicle.
§ 2.84. Employing unlicensed chauffeur or person to drive heavy vehicles.
§ 2.85. Renting motor vehicle to another.

Subchapter A. DEFINITIONS

§ 2.1. Words and phrases defined.

As used in this chapter, the term herein defined shall have the following meaning:

(a) “Cancellation” means that a license to operate a motor vehicle is annulled and terminated
because of some error or defect or because the licensee is no longer entitled to such license,
but the cancellation of a license is without prejudice and application for a new license may
be made at any time after such cancellation.

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 (b) A “chauffeur” is (i) a person, other than a driver of heavy vehicles, who is employed by
another for the principal purpose of operating a motor vehicle; and (ii) every person who
operates a school bus transporting school children or any motor vehicle when in use for the
transportation of persons or property for compensation.
(c) The term “conviction” means a final conviction. An unvacated forfeiture of bail or collateral
deposited to secure a defendant’s appearance in court, the payment of a fine, a plea of
guilty, or a finding of guilt on a charge of a traffic violation is equivalent to conviction,
regardless of whether the penalty is suspended or probation is granted.
(d) An “operator of heavy vehicles” is a person who drives a motor vehicle weighing 18,000
pounds or more.
(e) A “license to operate motor vehicles” includes an instruction permit, an operator’s license, a
chauffeur’s license, and a license to operate heavy vehicles.
(f) A “nonresident’s operating privilege” is the privilege conferred upon a nonresident by the
laws of the Republic of Liberia pertaining to the operation by him of a motor vehicle, or the
use of a motor vehicle owned by him in the Republic.
(g) An “operator’s license” is a license to operate a motor vehicle which is neither a chauffeur’s
license nor a license to operate heavy vehicles.
(h) “Revocation” means that a license to operate a motor vehicle is terminated and is not to be
renewed or restored except as provided in section 2.70 of this title.
(i) “Suspension” means that a license to operate a motor vehicle is temporarily withdrawn but
only during the period of such suspension.

Subchapter B. ISSUANCE, EXPIRATION, AND RENEWAL

§ 2.20. License requirement.

1. Requirement stated. No person, except those hereinafter expressly exempted, shall operate any
motor vehicle unless such person holds a valid license as an operator, chauffeur, or operator of
heavy vehicles. No person shall operate a motor vehicle as a chauffeur unless he holds a valid
chauffeur’s license, and no person shall operate a heavy vehicle unless he holds a license to operate
heavy vehicles.

2. Holding more than one license at the same time. No person shall hold at the same time more
than one unexpired license issued pursuant to this chapter. Any person who holds more than one
such license shall elect which license he will retain and shall surrender all other licenses to the
Minister.

§ 2.21. Persons exempt from license requirement.

The following persons may operate a motor vehicle without holding a license to operate a motor
vehicle issued under the provisions of this chapter:

(a) Any person in the service of the armed forces of the Republic while operating a vehicle on
official business within the limits of a Liberian military base or encampment;

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 (b) A nonresident who has in his immediate possession a valid operator’s license issued to him
in his home jurisdiction while operating a motor vehicle in the Republic of Liberia only as an
operator; such license to be valid for a period not to exceed three months from the date of
his last entry into the Republic; provided, however, to operate a heavy duty vehicle as a
chauffeur or operator such person must be in possession of a valid Liberia chauffeur’s
license.

§ 2.22. Persons disqualified from receiving licenses.

No license to operate a motor vehicle shall be issued to any of the following:

(a) To any person under the age of 16 years;

(b) To any person as a chauffeur or operator of heavy vehicles, under the age of 18 years;
(c) To any person as operator, chauffeur, or operator of heavy vehicles whose license has been
suspended, during such suspension, nor to any person whose license has been revoked,
except as provided in section 2.69 of this title;
(d) To any person as operator, chauffeur, or operator of heavy vehicles who is an habitual
drunkard, or is an habitual user of narcotic drugs, or is an habitual user of any other drug to
a degree which renders him incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle;
(e) To any person as operator, chauffeur, or operator of heavy vehicles, adjudged to be afflicted
with or suffering from any mental disability or disease and who has not at the time of
application been medically or judicially declared restored to competency;
(f) To any person who is required by this chapter to take an examination, unless such person
has successfully passed such examination;
(g) To any person who is required by law to furnish proof of financial responsibility and who has
not furnished such proof in the manner prescribed by statue and any lawful rules pertaining
thereto;
(h) To any person when the Minister has good cause to believe that the operation of a motor
vehicle on the highway by such person would be inimical to public safety or welfare.

§ 2.23. Instruction permit.

Any person who is at least 15 years of age may apply to the Minister for an instruction permit. Any
application for an instruction permit shall be accompanied by an application for an operator’s
license. The Minister may in his discretion, after the applicant has successfully passed all parts of the
examination required by section 2.26 of this title other than the driving test, issue to the applicant
an instruction permit which shall entitle him while having such permit in his immediate possession
to drive a motor vehicle for a period of six months when accompanied by a licensed operator who
has had at least one year of driving experience and who is occupying a seat beside the permittee,
except when the permittee is operating a motorcycle. Any such instruction permit may be renewed
or a new permit may be issued for an additional period of six months. A person holding an
instruction permit shall not operate a motor vehicle if there are passengers in the vehicle other than
the licensed person who is required to occupy the seat beside him.

§ 2.24. Applications for instruction permits and licenses to operate motor vehicles.
1. Use of forms; fees. Every application for an instruction permit or for any other license to operate
a motor vehicle shall be made upon forms furnished by the Minister. Every application for an

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instruction permit shall be accompanied by a receipt showing that a fee of $4 has been paid to the
Minister of Finance, which amount shall be credited toward payment of the fee for an operator’s
license payable under section 2.27 of this title when the license is issued. At the end of six months, if
the applicant for an instruction permit has not succeeded in qualifying for the license for which he is
applying, the application lapses unless another fee in the same amount is paid. If the person
applying for a license to operate a motor vehicle is already a licensed operator in the Republic of
Liberia or another jurisdiction, he is not required to apply for an instruction permit; but the
application for the license shall be accompanied by a receipt showing that the applicant has paid to
the Minister of Finance the fee required by section 2.27 of this title for the license for which he is
applying.

2. Contents and form. Every such application shall state the full name, date of birth, sex, and
residence address of the applicant, and briefly describe the applicant, and shall state whether the
applicant has theretofore been licensed as an operator or chauffeur or driver of heavy vehicles, and,
if so, when and by what jurisdiction, and whether any such license has ever been suspended or
revoked, or whether an application has ever been refused, and if so, when and by what jurisdiction,
and whether any such license has ever been suspended or revoked, or whether an application has
been refused, and if so, the date of and reason for such suspension, revocation, or refusal.

3. Securing record from other jurisdiction. Whenever an application is received from a person
previously licensed in another jurisdiction, the Minister shall request a copy of such operator’s
record from such other jurisdiction. When received, the driving record shall become a part of the
operator’s record in the Republic of Liberia with the same force and effect as though entered on the
operator’s record in the Republic in the original instance.

4. Forwarding record to other jurisdiction. Whenever the Minister receives from another licensing
jurisdiction a request for a driving record of an operator licensed in Liberia, the record shall be
forwarded without charge.

§ 2.25. Applications of minors.

1. Signature of adult required. The application of any minor for an instruction permit or other
license to operate motor vehicles shall be signed and verified before a person authorized to
administer oaths by the father, mother, or guardian, or, in the event there is no parent or guardian,
then by another adult responsible for the care of the minor.

2. Withdrawal of consent. The parent or guardian of a minor or other adult responsible for the care
of a minor may at any time file with the Minister a verified written request that a license to operate
motor vehicles held by such minor be cancelled, and the Minister shall thereupon cancel the license
of such minor.

§ 2.26. Examination and qualification of applicants.

1. Requirement relating to the examination. Prior to issuance of any license, the Minister shall
examine every applicant for an operator’s or chauffeur’s license or license to operate heavy vehicles,
except as otherwise provided in this section. Such examination shall include a test of the applicant’s
eyesight, his ability to read and understand highway signs regulating warning and directing traffic,

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and his knowledge of the traffic laws of the Republic; and shall include an actual demonstration of
his ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle. A person
applying for a license to operate heavy vehicles shall take a special examination to determine his
ability to operate such vehicles safely. The Minister shall make provision for giving an examination
either in the county where the applicant resides or at a place adjacent thereto reasonably
convenient to the applicant’s residence within not more than 30 days from the date the application
is received. The examination of an applicant’s ability to operate a motor vehicle required by this
paragraph may be administered by the representatives of a driving school which has been approved
by the Minister as qualified to carry out this function in a reliable and competent manner.

2. Additional qualification for certain licenses. The Minister shall not issue a license to operate
heavy vehicles unless the applicant has had at least one year of driving experience prior thereto.

3. No examination for present operators. The Minister shall issue without examination an
operator’s license to any person applying therefore within three months after this title takes effect
who furnishes evidence satisfactory to the Minister that the applicant is not disqualified under the
provisions of this chapter and that he has previously operated a motor vehicle in a satisfactory
manner for a period of not less than five years immediately prior to the application.

§ 2.27. License fees.

The applicant shall pay to the Minister of Finance the appropriate annual license fee as follows:

Operator’s license $10

Chauffeur’s license $15
License to operate heavy vehicles $30

The full fee is payable even when the license is issued after the regular yearly expiration date for
licenses provided by section 2.32 of this title.

§ 2.28. Issuance and form of licenses.

The Minister shall, upon presentation of a receipt by the applicant showing that he has duly paid the
appropriate fee, issue to every applicant who has qualified therefore an operator’s or chauffeur’s
license or license to operate heavy vehicles, as applied for. Such license shall bear thereon a
distinguishing number assigned to the license, the full name, date of birth, residence address, and a
brief description of the licensee, and shall contain a space upon which the licensee shall write his
usual signature with pen and ink immediately on receipt of the license. No license shall be valid until
it has been so signed by the licensee. Every license shall bear thereon a photograph of the licensee,
to be furnished by him, and shall have on the reverse side two blank lines for change of address and
space for the entry, if needed, of at least six records of convictions under this title of which the
licensee may have been convicted, together with the date of each conviction. A chauffeur’s license
or license to operate heavy vehicles shall indicate thereon the class of license issued.

§ 2.29. Possession of license when driving.

Every licensee shall have his license to operate motor vehicles in his immediate possession at all
times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display the same upon demand of any uniformed

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police officer. However, no person charged with violating this section shall be convicted if he
produces in court or the office of the arresting officer a license to operate motor vehicles therefore
issued to him and valid at the time of his arrest. A person who produces a license to operate motor
vehicles on demand of a police officer or before a court may be required by the police officer or the
presiding judge or justice or magistrate to sign his name as a means of identification.

§ 2.30. Restricted licenses.

The Minister upon issuing an operator’s or chauffeur’s license or license to operate heavy vehicles
shall have authority whenever good cause appears to impose restrictions suitable to the licensee’s
driving ability with respect to type of or special mechanical control devices required on a motor
vehicle which the licensee may operate or such other restrictions applicable to the licensee as the
Minister may determine to be appropriate to assure the safe operation of a motor vehicle by the
licensee. No person shall operate a motor vehicle in any manner in violation of the restrictions
imposed in a restricted license issued to him. The Minister may upon receiving satisfactory evidence
of any violation of the restrictions such license suspend or revoke the same, but the licensee shall be
entitled to a hearing as upon a suspension or revocation under this chapter.

§ 2.31. Duplicate certificates.

In the event that an instruction permit or operator’s or chauffeur’s license or license to operate
heavy vehicles issued under the provisions of this chapter is lost or destroyed, the person to whom it
was issued may, upon payment of a fee of $5 to the Minister of Finance and on presentation of the
receipt to the Minister of Justice, obtain a duplicate thereof upon furnishing proof satisfactory to the
Minister of Justice that such permit or license has been lost or destroyed.

§ 2.32. Expiration of license; re-examination before renewal.

Every operator’s or chauffeur’s license or license to operate heavy vehicles shall expire on June 30
following the issuance or renewal of such license. Every such license shall be renewable on or
before its expiration upon application and presentation of a receipt showing that the fee payable
under section 2.27 of this title has been paid to the Minister of Finance. On application for renewal
of any such license by a person of 70 years of age or over, the Minister of Justice shall require that
he pass a test of his vision and that he present a doctor’s certificate that he is physically capable of
operating a motor vehicle with reasonable safety.

§ 2.33. Notice of change of address or name.

Whenever any person after applying for or receiving an operator’s or chauffeur’s license or license
to operate heavy vehicles shall move from the address named in such application or in the license
issued to him or when the name of a licensee is changed by marriage or otherwise, such person shall
within 30 days thereafter notify the Minister in writing of the old and new address or of such former
and new names and of the number of any license then held by him.

§ 2.34. Records to be kept by Minister.

1. File on applications, suspensions, and revocations. The Minister shall file every application for a
license received by him and shall maintain suitable indexes containing in alphabetical order:

(a) All applications denied and on each, the reasons for such denial;

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 (b) All applications granted;
(c) The name of every licensee whose license has been cancelled, suspended or revoked and
after each such name, the reasons for such action.

2. Files of individual operators. The Minister shall also file all accident reports and abstracts of court
records received by him under the laws of the Republic of Liberia of Liberia. In connection therewith
the Minister shall maintain convenient records or make suitable notations in order that an individual
record of each licensee showing the convictions of such licensee and the traffic accidents in which he
has been involved may be readily ascertainable and available for the consideration of the Minister
upon any application for renewal of license and at other suitable time.

Subchapter C. CANCELLATION, SUSPENSION, AND REVOCATION OF

LICENSES

§ 2.60. Authority to cancel license.

The Minister is hereby authorized to cancel any license to operate a motor vehicle upon determining
that the licensee was not entitled to the issuance thereof or that said licensee has failed to give the
required or correct information in his application. yeaUpon such cancellation, the licensee shall
surrender the licensee so cancelled to the Minister.

§ 2.61. Mandatory revocation of license.

A court shall revoke the license to operate motor vehicles held by a defendant tried before it and
convicted of any of the following:

(a) Murder or manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle;

(b) Driving a motor vehicle in violation of section 10.90 of this title;
(c) Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used;
(d) Failure to stop and render aid as required under section 9.1(1) and (2) of this title in the
event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death of personal injury of another;
(e) Perjury or the making of a false affidavit or statement under oath to the Minister to secure
registration of a vehicle or issuance of an instruction permit or license to operate motor
vehicles;
(f) A third or subsequent violation, committed within a period of 18 months, of section 10.10 of
this title, or of any provision of this title constituting a misdemeanor under this title,
whether such three or more violations are repetitions of the same offense or were different
offenses;
(g) Operating a motor vehicle while operating privileges are suspended in violation of section
2.62 of this title;
(h) Violating the provisions of section 4.4 of this title with regard to effective financial security.

§ 2.62. Suspension of license.

The Minister may suspend a license to operate motor vehicles without preliminary hearing upon a
showing by his records or other sufficient evidence that the licensee:

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 (a) Has been involved as an operator in any accident resulting in the death or personal injury of
another or serious property damage;
(b) Has been convicted with such frequency of serious offenses against traffic regulations
governing the movement of vehicles as to indicate a disrespect for traffic laws and a
disregard for the safety of other persons;
(c) Is an habitually reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle;
(d) Is incompetent to drive a motor vehicle;
(e) Has permitted an unlawful or fraudulent use of his license to operate a motor vehicle;
(f) Has knowingly permitted a motor vehicle under his direction or control to be used in
furtherance of the commission of any crime;
(g) Has prevented lawful identification of any motor vehicle under the holder’s direction or
control or has evaded lawful arrest or prosecution while operating such motor vehicle;
(h) Has willfully evaded lawful prosecution in the Republic of Liberia or in another jurisdiction
for an offense committed therein against the motor vehicle or traffic laws;
(i) Is charged with an offense for which mandatory revocation is required on conviction;
(j) Has been hospitalized or committed to custody as mentally disabled or committed for
treatment as a narcotic addict.

§ 2.63. Hearing following suspension.

Upon suspension of the license to operate a motor vehicle as authorized in section 2.62 of this title
or any other provision of law, the Minister shall immediately notify the licensee in writing that his
license has been suspended and that it may be revoked after hearing, and upon request of the
licensee received within five days after service of notice, shall afford him an opportunity for a
hearing as early as practicable within not to exceed five days after receipt of such request in the
county wherein the license resides unless the Minister and the licensee agree that the hearing, the
Minister or his duly authorized agent may administer oaths and may issue subpoenas for the
attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant books and papers and may require a re-
examination of the licensee. Upon such hearing the Minister or his duly authorized agent shall
rescind his order of suspension or, good cause appearing therefore, may continue, modify, or extend
the suspension of such license or revoke such license. If, however, a criminal prosecution is pending
against the licensee which may result in mandatory revocation of the license by the court under
section 2.61 of this title, the Minister shall not have the power of revocation for the same cause,
which in such cases is vested solely in the court before which the criminal prosecution tried.

§ 2.64. Effect of offenses by nonresidents.

1. Suspension or revocation of privilege to operate motor vehicle. The privilege of driving a motor
vehicle in the Republic of Liberia given to a nonresident is subject to suspension or revocation by a
court or the Minister for any cause which would authorize the suspension or revocation of a license
to operate a motor vehicle issued to a resident. Conviction of a nonresident operator in another
jurisdiction of an offense which, if committed in Liberia, would be ground for the suspension or
revocation of a license to operate motor vehicles is ground for suspension or revocation by the
Minister of the nonresident’s privilege to operate motor vehicles in Liberia.

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2. Reporting convictions of nonresident in Republic of Liberia. The Minister is authorized, upon
receiving a record of conviction in this Republic of a nonresident operator of an offense under this
title or homicide resulting from use of a vehicle, to forward a certified copy of such record to the
motor vehicle administrator in the jurisdiction wherein the person so convicted is a resident.

§ 2.65. Suspending or revoking resident’s license on basis of conviction in other jurisdiction.

The license of any resident of the Republic of Liberia may be suspended or revoked on the basis of a
conviction in a foreign jurisdiction which is reported to the Minister and which, if committed in the
Republic of Liberia, would be the basis for suspension or revocation.

§ 2.66. Court records; information to Minister.

1. Notice of pending prosecutions. The clerk of a court in which there is pending a criminal
prosecution which may result in the revocation of the defendant’s license to operate a motor vehicle
shall notify the Minister that such a case is pending when it is placed on the calendar of the court.

2. Revoked licenses. Whenever the court in which a conviction is had of a homicide resulting from
use of a motor vehicle or a violation of any of the provisions of this title as a result of which the court
revokes the license of the defendant to operate a motor vehicle, the court shall require the
surrender of such license, if not already surrendered to the Minister, and shall thereupon forward
such license to the Minister.

3. Record of conviction. Every court having jurisdiction over offenses committed under this title or of
homicide resulting from the use of a motor vehicle shall forward to the Minister a record of the
conviction of any person in such court for commission of such an offense other than a statute or
regulation governing standing or parking. The court shall also have notation made on the back of
the defendant’s license showing the date of the conviction and the offense of which he was
convicted.

§ 2.67. Surrender of license to Minister and return to licensee.

The Minister upon suspending or revoking a license shall require that such license shall be
surrendered to and be retained by the Minister, except that at the end of the period of suspension,
when not followed by revocation, a license so surrendered shall be returned to the licensee.

§ 2.68. Minister may require re-examination.

The Minister, having good cause to believe that a license operator is incompetent or otherwise not
qualified to be licensed or to hold the class of license which he holds, may upon written notice of at
least five days to the licenses require him to submit to an examination. Upon the conclusion of such
examination, the Minister shall take such action as may be appropriate and may suspend or revoke
the license of such person or permit him to retain such license, or may issue a license subject to
restrictions as permitted under section 2.30 of this title. Refusal or neglect of the licensee to submit
to such examination shall be ground for suspension or revocation of his license.

§ 2.69. Period of suspension or revocation.

1. Suspension. The Minister shall not suspend a license to operate a motor vehicle or privilege of a
nonresident to drive a motor vehicle for a period of more than one year.

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2. Revocation. Any person whose license or privilege to drive a motor vehicle has been revoked
shall not be entitled to have such license or privilege renewed or restored unless the revocation was
for a cause which has been removed. After the expiration of one year from the date on which the
revoked license was surrendered to and received by the Minister, such person may apply for a new
license or permission to operate as provided by law, but the Minister shall not then issue a new
license or renew the privilege to drive a motor vehicle unless he is satisfied after investigation of the
character, habits, and driving ability of such person that it will be safe to grant the privilege of
operating a motor vehicle on the public highways.

§ 2.70. No operation under foreign license during suspension or revocation in Republic.

Any resident or nonresident whose license or permit to operate a motor vehicle in the Republic of
Liberia has been suspended or revoked as provided in this chapter shall not operate a motor vehicle
in the Republic under a license or permit issued by any other jurisdiction during such suspension or
after such revocation under a new license or permit is obtained when and as permitted under this
chapter.

§ 2.71. General provisions applicable to revocation or suspension.

1. Notice to holder of license. Notice to a holder of a license to operate motor vehicles of its
revocation or suspension, as well as any required notice of hearing, may be given by personal service
or by mailing the same to him by registered mail at the address contained in his license.

2. Failure of holder to surrender license. Failure of the holder or any other person possessing a
license to operate motor vehicles which has been suspended or revoked to deliver it to the
suspending or revoking officer shall make such person subject to a fine of not more than $500 or
imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. Failure of the holder or any person possessing
the license which has been revoked to deliver it to any peace officer directed by the Minister to
secure possession thereof shall make such person subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or
imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, and the Minister shall direct any peace officer to
secure possession thereof and return it to the Minister.

3. Notice to police of revocation or suspension. Notice of revocation or suspension of any license

shall be transmitted forthwith by the Minister to the head of police or prosecuting officer of the
locality in which the person whose license is so revoked or suspended resides.

4. Effect of revocation or suspension on renewal. In case any license expires before the end of any
period for which it has been revoked or suspended, and before it shall have been restored, then and
in that event any renewal thereof shall be withheld under the end of such period of suspension or
until restoration, as the case may be.

Subchapter D. VIOLATIONS WITH REFERENCE TO LICENSE

PROVISIONS

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§ 2.80. Unlawful use of license; operating vehicle without license; other violations.
A person guilty of any of the following is subject to a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for
not more than six months, or both:

(a) To display or cause or permit to be displayed or have in his possession any cancelled,
suspended, revoked, fictitious, or fraudulently altered license to operate motor vehicles;
(b) To lend his license to operate motor vehicles to any person or knowingly permit the use
thereof by another;
(c) To display or represent as one’s own any license to operate motor vehicles which has not
been issued to him;
(d) To fail or refuse to surrender to the Minister upon his lawful demand any license to operate
motor vehicles which has been cancelled, suspended, or revoked;
(e) To use a false or fictitious name in any application for a license to operate motor vehicles or
to knowingly make a false statement or to knowingly conceal a material fact or otherwise
commit a fraud in any such application;
(f) To operate a motor vehicle without a license in violation of section 2.20 of this title;
(g) To do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required by this chapter unless the
violation is one for which another penalty is provided by law.

§ 2.81. Driving while license suspended or revoked.

1. Penalty. Any person who drives a motor vehicle on any highway within the application of this title
at a time when his license or privilege to do so is suspended or revoked is subject to a fine of not
more than $500 or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both.

2. Effect on issuance of new license. The Minister upon receiving notice of the conviction of any
person under this section upon a charge of operating a vehicle while the license of such person was
revoked, shall not issue a new license for an additional period of one year from and after the date
such person would otherwise be entitled to apply for a new license.

§ 2.82. Permitting unauthorized minor under 18 to operate motor vehicle.

No person shall cause or knowingly permit his child or ward under the age of 18 years to drive a
motor vehicle except as permitted law. A person who violates the provisions of this section is subject
to a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

§ 2.83. Permitting unauthorized person to operate motor vehicle.

No person shall authorize or knowingly permit a motor vehicle owned by him or under his control to
be operated by any person who is not authorized hereunder or in violation of the provisions of this
chapter. A person who violates the provisions of this section is subject to a fine of not more than
$500 or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

§2.84. Employing unlicensed chauffeur or person to drive heavy vehicles.

No person shall employ as a chauffeur or as a driver of heavy vehicles any person not licensed as
provided in this chapter. A person who violates the provisions of this section is subject to a fine of
not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

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§ 2.85. Renting motor vehicle to another.
1. Renting permitted only to licensed operator. No person shall rent a motor vehicle to any other
person for the purpose of operation by such person unless the latter person is duly licensed under
this chapter or, in the case of a nonresident, unless he is at least 18 years of age and is duly licensed
under the laws of the country of his residence.

2. Record of rented vehicle. Every person renting a motor vehicle to another shall keep a record of
the registration number of the motor vehicle so rented, the name, address, and license number of
the person to whom the vehicle is rented, and the date when and place where the license was
issued. Such record shall be open to inspection by any police officer or agent of the Minister.

3. Penalty for offense. A person who violates the provisions of this section is subject to a fine of not
more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

Chapter 3. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

Subchapter A. Registration of Motor Vehicles, Bicycles, and Trailers.

§ 3.1. Registration required.
§ 3.2. Exemptions from registration requirements.
§ 3.3. Application for registration.
§ 3.4. Grounds for refusing registration.
§ 3.5. Certificate of registration.
§ 3.6. Registration plates.
§ 3.7. Expiration and renewal of registration.
§ 3.8. Notice of change of address or name.
§ 3.9. Lost or damaged certificates and plates.
§ 3.10. New identifying numbers.
§ 3.11. Transfer of registration.
§ 3.12. Grounds for suspension or revocation of registration.
§ 3.13. Period of suspension or revocation.
§ 3.14. General provisions applicable to suspension or revocation.

Subchapter B. Registration Fees.

§ 3.80. Definitions.
§ 3.81. Fees.
§ 3.82. Fees for registration plates and renewal devices.
§ 3.83. Collection of registration fee by impoundment.

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Subchapter C. Penalties.
§ 3.90. General penalty for violations under chapters.
§ 3.91. Fraudulent applications.
§ 3.92. Falsifying evidences of registration.
§ 3.93. Improper use of evidences of registration.
§ 3.94. Altering identification number.

Subchapter A. REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES, BICYCLES, AND

TRAILERS

§ 3.1. Registration required.

It is unlawful for any person to operate or for an owner to consent to the operation of any motor
vehicle, bicycle, or trailer unless at the time of operation such vehicle is registered in the Republic in
accordance with the provisions of this chapter or is exempt from registration. A person who violates
the provisions of this section is subject to a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not
more than six months, or both.

§ 3.2. Exemptions from registration requirements.

1. Nonresidents. A nonresident owner, except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, owning any
foreign vehicle otherwise subject to registration hereunder may operate or permit the operation of
such vehicle within the Republic of Liberia without registering such vehicle in, or paying any fees to,
the Republic subject to the condition that such vehicle at all times when operated in the Republic is
duly registered in and displays upon it a valid registration plate or plates issued for such vehicle in
the place of residence of such owner. Nonresidents are required, however, to register the following
types of vehicles and pay the same fees therefore as are required with reference to like vehicles
owned by residents of the Republic of Liberia: (a) any vehicle owned by a nonresident and operated
within Liberia for a consecutive period exceeding 30 days; (b) any vehicle owned by a nonresident
and entering Liberia regularly according to a schedule in order to transport persons or property for
compensation or to transport merchandise; (c) any vehicle owned by a nonresident, including any
foreign corporation, carrying on business within Liberia and regularly being operated in such
business.

2. Transfer of motor vehicle from port by dealer. No registration is required for operation of motor
vehicle owned by a dealer during its transfer from its port of arrival to the place of business of the
dealer within 48 hours after its arrival in Liberia if a special license has been issued by the Minister
authorizing such transfer. The term “dealer” as used in this paragraph means a person engaged in
the business of buying, selling, or exchanging motor vehicles and having an established place of
business for such purpose within Liberia.

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3. Military vehicles. The provisions of this subchapter shall not apply to motor vehicles having
registrations and displaying plates issued by the armed forces of the Republic of Liberia for vehicles
owned by military personnel.

§ 3.3. Application for registration.

1. Original registration. An application by a particular owner for first registration of a particular
vehicle shall be made to the Minister upon prescribed forms and shall be accompanied by a receipt
showing that the applicant has duly paid the fee required by law to the Minister of Finance. Such
applications shall contain or be accompanied by the following:

(a) The name of the owner;

(b) The residential and business address of the owner;
(c) A description of the vehicle including make, model, identifying number, and any other
information which the Minister may reasonably require for prompt identification of the
vehicle;
(d) Such evidence of ownership of the vehicle described in the application as may be required by
the Minister;
(e) In the case of a motor vehicle, a certificate of inspection and approval issued under section
8.1 of this title;
(f) In the case of registration of a motor vehicle, proof of financial security as required by
section 4.4 of this title.

2. Renewal of registration. Applications for renewal of registration shall be made to the Minister on
prescribed forms and shall be accompanied by a receipt showing that the applicant has duly paid the
fee required by law and a certificate of inspection and approval issued under section 8.1 of this title.
Such applications for renewal shall contain the information required in paragraph 1 for original
applications or such parts thereof as the Minister deems necessary to assume the proper
registration of vehicles, and in the case of renewal of registration for a motor vehicle shall be
accompanied by proof of financial security as required by section 4.4 of this title.

§ 3.4. Grounds for refusing registration.

The Minister shall refuse registration of a vehicle under any of the following circumstances:

(a) The provisions of section 3.3 of this title have not been complied with;
(b) The application contains any false or fraudulent statement or the applicant has failed to
furnish required information or reasonable additional information requested by the
Minister;
(c) The vehicle is not one for which registration is authorized;
(d) In the case of a motor vehicle a certificate of inspection and approval has not been issued
pursuant to section 8.1. of this title;
(e) The registration of the vehicle stands suspended or revoked;
(f) The required fee has not been paid;
(g) The required proof of financial security has not been furnished.

§ 3.5. Certificates of registration.

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1. Issuance; contents. Upon registering a vehicle, the Minister shall issue and deliver to the owner a
certificate of registration. The registration shall contain upon the face thereof the date of
expiration, the name and address of the owner, the registration number assigned to the vehicle and
such description of the vehicle as determined by the Minister upon transfer of the vehicle.

2. Record of registration. Upon issuing a certificate of registration for a vehicle, the Minister shall
register the vehicle as described in the application in suitable books or on index cards as follows:

(a) Under the distinctive registration number assigned to such vehicle, indicating its owner;
(b) Alphabetically under the name of the owner; and
(c) Numerically by the serial or identification number of the vehicle.
(d) Such book or index shall be open to public inspection during reasonable business hours.

3. Signing, carrying, and exhibiting certificate of registration. Every owner upon receipt of a
certificate of registration shall write his signature thereon with pen and ink in the space provided.
Every such certificate of registration shall at all times be carried in the vehicle to which it refers or
shall be carried by the person driving or in control of such vehicle, who shall display the certificate
upon demand of a police officer. Failure to produce the certificate of registration shall be
presumptive evidence of operating a motor vehicle which is not registered as required by this
subchapter.

§ 3.6. Registration plates.

1. Plates to be furnished. The Minister upon registering a vehicle shall issue to the owner one
registration plate for a motorcycle, bicycle, or trailer, and two registration plates for every other
registered vehicle.

2. Specifications. Every registration plate shall have displayed upon it the registration number
assigned to the vehicle for which it is issued, also the name “Liberia” and the year for which it is
issued, or if the license plate is to be used for more than one year, the Minister may adopt such
other device as he may deem practicable for display upon the license plate or upon the vehicle in
order to show the year of registration. Such registration plate and the required letter and numerals
thereon, except the year for which issued, shall be of sufficient size to be plainly legible from a
distance of 100 feet during daylight.

3. Display. Registration plates issued for a vehicle other than a motorcycle, bicycle, or trailer shall
be attached thereto, one in the front and the other in the rear. The registration place issued for a
motorcycle, bicycle, or trailer shall be attached to the rear thereof. Every registration plate shall at
all times be securely fastened in a horizontal position to the vehicle for which it is issued to prevent
the plate from swinging and at a height of not less than 12 inches from the ground, measuring from
the bottom of such plate, in a place and position to be clearly visible and shall be maintained free
from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible.

4. Penalty. A person who violates the provisions of this section is subject to a fine of not more than
$500 or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

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§ 3.7. Expiration and renewal of registration.
Registration of a vehicle shall be renewed periodically in the same manner and upon payment of the
same annual fee as provided for registration. Registration and certificates of registration shall expire
on the 31st of December of each year, but the registration of a vehicle in effect on the last day of
December may be used during the month of January following for the operation of the vehicle for
which it was issued.

§ 3.8 Notice of change of address or name.

Whenever any person after making application for or obtaining the registration of a vehicle shall
move from the address named in the application or shown upon a certificate of registration, such
person shall within 10 days thereafter notify the Minister in writing of his old and new address.
Whenever the name of any person who has made application for or obtained the registration of a
vehicle is thereafter changed by marriage or otherwise, such person shall within 10 days notify the
Minister of such former and new name.

§ 3.9. Lost or damaged certificate and plates.

1. Replacement options of Minister. If any certificate of registration or registration plate is lost,
mutilated, or becomes illegible, the owner of the vehicle for which the same was issued as shown by
the records of the Minister shall immediately make application for and may obtain a duplicate or a
substitute, or a new registration number together with a new registration plate, as determined to be
most advisable by the Minister, when the applicant furnishes him with satisfactory information.

2. Fee for issuance of certificate and new registration numbers. The fee for issuance of a duplicate
certificate of registration or a substitute therefore, or a new registration number under this section
is as follows:

Passenger cars $3.00

Taxis, trucks, omnibuses $5.00
Bicycles, motorcycles, motor scooters, trailers $2.00

3. Fee for issuance of duplicate or new plates. The fee for issuance of a duplicate or new registration
plate or plates under this section is as follows:
(a) First replaced
Private vehicles $10.00
Commercial vehicles including vehicles for hire $15.00
Motorcycles, motor scooters, bicycles, trailers $3.00

(b) Subsequent replacements

Private vehicles $15.00
Commercial vehicles including vehicles for hire $22.50
Motorcycles, motor scooters, bicycles, trailers $4.50

§ 3.10. New identifying numbers.

The Minister may assign a distinguishing number to a motor vehicle whenever the serial number
thereon is destroyed or obliterated and may issue to the owner a special plate bearing such

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distinguishing number which shall be affixed to the vehicle in a position to be determined by the
Minister. Such motor vehicle shall be registered under such distinguishing number in lieu of the
former serial number.

§ 3.11. Transfer of registration.

1. Registration expires on destruction of vehicle or transfer by owner. Upon the transfer of
ownership or the destruction of a registered vehicle, its registration shall expire, and the seller or
owner shall remove the registration plates from the vehicle. The owner may then have such plates
and the registration number thereon assigned to another vehicle owned by him, if of the same class
under section 3.81 of this title, upon exhibiting a receipt to the Minister showing payment of a
transfer fee to the Minister of Finance in accordance with the following schedule:

Commercial vehicles as defined in section 3.80 including vehicle for hire $10
Private vehicles and motorcycles, motor scooters, trailers $5

2. Endorsement of certificate of registration by seller. A person selling a registered vehicle to

another shall endorse the name and address of the transferee and the date of the transfer upon the
reverse side of the certificate of registration, affix his signature thereto, and immediately forward
the certificate of registration to the Minister as notice of the transfer.

3. Securing of new registration by new owner. The transferee before operating or permitting the
operation of such vehicle upon a highway shall apply for and obtain the registration thereof, as upon
an original registration.

§ 3.12. Grounds for suspension or revocation of registration.

The Minister is hereby authorized to suspend or revoke the registration of a vehicle or the privilege
of a nonresident to use or have used within the Republic of Liberia any vehicle owned by him under
any of the following circumstances:

(a) When the Minister is satisfied that such registration or privilege was fraudulently secured or
erroneously granted;
(b) When the registered vehicle has been dismantled or destroyed unless the registration
number of such vehicle has been transferred to another vehicle of the same owner;
(c) When the required fee has not been paid and is not paid upon reasonable notice and
demand;
(d) When a certificate of registration or registration plate is knowingly displayed for or upon a
vehicle other than the one for which issued;
(e) When the Minister determines that the owner has committed any offense under this
chapter involving the registration which is to be suspended or revoked;
(f) When proof of financial security is not maintained for any motor vehicle as required by
section 4.4 of this title;
(g) When the Minister is so authorized under any other provision of law.

§ 3.13. Period of suspension or revocation.

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A certificate of registration or a permit to a nonresident to use or permit to have used in Liberia a
vehicle owned by him shall not be suspended for more than one year. A person whose certificate of
registration has been revoked or a nonresident whose permit to use or have used in Liberia a vehicle
owned by him has been revoked may not have such certificate of registration or permit renewed or
restored until the expiration of one year from the time when the evidences of registration, including
the registration plates, were surrendered to the Minister. At the termination of such period, the
person whose certificate of registration or permit to the use was revoked may apply to the Minister
for its restoration and the Minister shall grant the application except where he determines that the
granting of the application will not be in the public interest.

§ 3.14. General provisions applicable to suspension or revocation.

1. Procedure. Due notice and opportunity for hearing shall be afforded any person whose certificate
of registration or nonresident permit to use or have used in Liberia a vehicle owned by him is
revoked or suspended. The Minister may suspend such certificate or permit without preliminary
hearing, but in such case the provisions of section 2.63 of this title applicable to suspension of a
license to operate motor vehicles shall apply and the procedure therein set forth shall govern.

2. Notice to holder of certificate. Notice to the holder of a certificate of registration or a permit as a

nonresident to use or permit to have used in Liberia a vehicle owned by him, that such certificate or
permit has been revoked or suspended, as well as any required notice of hearing, may be given by
personal service or by mailing the same to him by registered mail at the address contained in his
certificate or permit.

3. Surrender of certificate, permit, or registration plates. Whenever the Minister as authorized by

section 3.12 of this title revokes or suspends the certificate of registration of a vehicle or any permit
for nonresident to use or permit to have used in Liberia vehicle owned by him, the owner or person
in possession of the same shall immediately return to the Minister the evidences of registration,
including the registration plates or the permit. A person who fails to comply with such provision
shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than six months, or
both. Failure of the holder or person in possession of a certificate of registration, a nonresident’s
permit, or registration plate which has been revoked to deliver it to any peace officer directed by the
Minister to secure possession thereof shall make such person subject to a fine of not more than
$1,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, and the Minister shall direct any peace
officer to secure possession thereof and return it to the Minister.

4. Notice to police of revocation or suspension. Notice of revocation or suspension of any certificate

of registration shall be transmitted forthwith by the Minister to the head of police or prosecuting
officer of the locality in which the person whose certificate or registration so revoked or suspended
resides.

5. Effect of revocation or suspension on renewal. In case any certificate of registration expires before
the end of any period of which it has been revoked or suspended, and before it shall have been
restored, any renewal thereof shall be withheld until the end of such period of suspension or until
restoration, as the case may be.

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 Subchapter B. REGISTRATION FEES

§ 3.80. Definitions.
As used in this subchapter, the terms herein defined shall have the following meanings:

(a) A “commercial vehicle” is a motor vehicle used for a business purpose.

(b) An “omnibus” is a motor vehicle used for the transportation of passengers for compensation
and having a seating capacity of more than 7 persons.
(c) A “taxi” is a motor vehicle used for the transportation of passengers for compensation and
having a seating capacity of not more than 7 persons.

§ 3.81. Fees.
On January 1 of each year, the owner of a motor vehicle or bicycle shall pay an annual registration
fee on each vehicle owned by him according to the following schedule:

1. Passenger cars having a seating capacity of not more than 7 persons – based on type of ownership
and use:
(a) Private (by engine capacity in terms of cubic centimeters):
Under 1,250 cc $48
1,250 cc and under 1,750 cc $60
1,750 cc and under 2,500 cc $72
2,500 cc and over $84
(b) Commercial, except taxis and passenger cars for hire $96
(c) Taxis and passenger cars for hire $156

2. Passenger cars having a seating capacity of more than 7 persons:

(a) Omnibuses and other passenger cars having a seating capacity
of more than 7 and up to 14 persons $204
(b) Omnibuses and other passenger cars having a seating capacity
of more than 14 and up to 30 persons $252
(c) Omnibuses and other passenger cars having a seating capacity
of more than 30 persons $300

3. Other vehicles:
(a) Trucks, pick-ups, tractors and articulated vehicles (by capacity in terms of tonnage and type
of ownership and use):
(i) Private:
Under 1 ton $120
1 ton and under 2 tons $144
2 tons and under 3 tons $180
3 tons and under 4 tons $228
4 tons and under 5 tons $264
5 tons and under 7 tons $324

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 7 tons and under 9 tons $372
9 tons and over $396
For the first 9 tons and $36 for every additional ton or fraction
(ii) Commercial other than those for hire:
Under 1 ton $132
1 ton and under 2 tons $180
2 tons and under 3 tons $228
3 tons and under 4 tons $264
4 tons and under 5 tons $324
5 tons and under 7 tons $372
7 tons and under 9 tons $432
9 tons and over $456
for the first 9 tons and $48 for every additional ton or fraction
(iii) Commercial vehicles for hire:
Under 1 ton $168
1 ton and under 2 tons $216
2 tons and under 3 tons $264
3 tons and under 4 tons $300
4 tons and under 5 tons $360
5 tons and under 7 tons $408
7 tons and under 9 tons $468
9 tons and over $492
for the first 9 tons and $48 for every additional ton or fraction
(b) Trailers for motor vehicles $12
(c) Motorcycles and motor scooters $12
(d) Bicycles $6

provided, however, that a person who becomes the owner of a vehicle after January 31 of any year
shall pay the registration fee only for the remaining portion of the year. Such fee shall be computed
at the rate of one-twelfth of the yearly fee for each month or fraction thereof for which the yearly
fee is paid, except that the registration fee for trailers, motorcycles, motor scooters and bicycles
shall in no case be less than one-half the prescribed yearly fee.

§ 3.82. Fees for registration plates and renewal devices.

The owner of a motor vehicle or bicycle, in addition to paying the required annual registration fee
prescribed in section 3.81, shall pay a fee for an appropriate registration plate or plates or renewal
devise according to the following schedule:

Commercial vehicles including vehicles for hire $10

Private vehicles $5
Motorcycles, motor scooters, bicycles $3

§ 3.83. Collection of registration fee by impoundment.

1. Impoundment authorized; notice to owner. Any vehicle which has not been registered or for
which registration has not been renewed as required by law may be seized by a peace officer and

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impounded in a place designated by the Minister for impoundment of unregistered vehicles, to be
held for redemption by the owner on payment of the registration fee due on such vehicle and $50
poundage. Within three days after impoundment, written notice shall be served personally on the
owner of the vehicle, if known, informing him that unless the vehicle is redeemed within 30 days
thereafter, it will be sold at a time and place named therein. If the owner of the vehicle is not
known, such notice, including a description of the vehicle impounded and its registration number, if
any, shall be published twice weekly for two successive weeks after seizure of the vehicle in a paper
of general circulation in the county where such vehicle was seized.

2. Sale of impounded vehicle. An impounded vehicle which is not redeemed by the owner within the
time allowed by law may be sold at public auction to the highest bidder at the time and place
specified in the notice provided for in paragraph 1 of this section. The surplus of the proceeds of
such sale, after deduction of the registration fee, poundage of $50, and the costs of the sale, shall be
paid over to the owner of the vehicle; or if the owner is unknown, such surplus shall be transmitted
by the Minister to the Minister of Finance to be held in a special account and paid over to the owner
if he claims it within one year after the sale; otherwise, at the end of that period, the surplus shall be
transferred to the general fund of the Treasury.

Subchapter C. PENALTIES

§ 3.90. General penalty for violations under chapter.

A violation of a provision of this chapter is an infraction for which the offender may be fined up to
$100 unless the violation is one for which another penalty is provided by law.

§ 3.91. Fraudulent applications.

Any person who fraudulently uses a false or fictitious name in any application for registration of a
vehicle, or knowingly makes a false statement, or conceals any other material fact or otherwise
commits a fraud in any such application, is subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 or
imprisonment for not more than three years, or both.

§ 3.92. Falsifying evidences of registration.

A person who (a) alters with fraudulent intent any certificate of registration or registration plate, (b)
forges or counterfeits any such document or plate, (c) holds or uses any such document or plate
knowing it to have been so altered, forged, or counterfeited is subject to a fine of not more than
$5,000 or imprisonment for not more than three years, or both.

§ 3.93. Improper use of evidences of registration.

No person shall lend to another any certificate of registration, registration plate, or special plate
issued to him if the person borrowing the same would not be entitled to the use thereof, nor shall
any person knowingly permit the use of any of the same by one not entitled thereto, nor shall any
person display for or upon any vehicle any certificate of registration or registration plate not issued
for such vehicle or not otherwise lawfully used thereon under this chapter. Any person who violates

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this section is subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year,
or both.

§ 3.94. Altering identification number.

1. Altering number. A person who with fraudulent intent defaces, destroys, or alters the
identification number of a vehicle or engine or who places or stamps any engine or other number as
an identification number on a vehicle is subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment
for not more than three years, or both.

2. Possessing vehicle with altered number. A person who buys, receives, possesses, sells, or disposes
of a vehicle or engine of a vehicle, knowing that an identification number of the vehicle or engine
has been removed or falsified or that a false identification number has been placed or stamped on
the engine or vehicle, is subject to a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than
six months, or both.

Chapter 4. COMPULSORY LIABILITY INSURANCE

§ 4.1. Time when chapter becomes effective.

§ 4.2. Government vehicles excepted from application of chapter.
§ 4.3. Definition of terms.
§ 4.4. Proof of financial security required for registration of vehicle.
§ 4.5. Notice of termination of insurance contract.
§ 4.6. Change in form of proof of financial security.
§ 4.7. Suspension of registrations, operators’ licenses, and nonresident privileges.
§ 4.8. Effect of bankruptcy.
§ 4.9. Impoundment of motor vehicle after accident.
§ 4.10. Notice to other jurisdictions.
§ 4.11. Notice of accident to insurance company or surety company.

§ 4.1 Time when chapter become effective.

Notwithstanding enactment of this title by the Legislature and the effective date applicable to the
title as a whole, the provisions of this chapter shall not become effective until (a) the title of the
Liberian Code of Laws Revised entitled Insurance Law is in effect and a Commissioner of Insurance
has been appointed to administer such title, and (b) the Minister is satisfied that automobile liability
insurance is available to the Liberian public at a reasonable premium. When the foregoing conditions
have been fulfilled, the Minister shall thereupon issue a declaration that this chapter is in effect,
which declaration shall be published twice weekly in an official newspaper of the Republic of Liberia
for three successive weeks.

§ 4.2. Government vehicles excepted from application of chapter.

This chapter shall not apply to motor vehicles owned by the Republic of Liberia or any political
subdivision thereof.

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§ 4.3. Definition of terms.
1. Proof of financial security. The term “proof of financial security” means proof of ability to respond
in damages for liability arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle, as
evidenced by an owner’s policy of liability insurance or a financial security bond.

2. Owner’s policy of liability insurance. The term “owner’s policy of liability insurance” means a
policy fulfilling the following requirements:
(a) The policy shall afford coverage as defined in the minimum provisions prescribed in a
regulation to be promulgated by the Commissioner of Insurance at least 30 days prior to the
effective date of this chapter. Nothing contained in such regulation or in this chapter shall
prohibit any insurer from affording coverage under an owner’s policy of liability insurance
more liberal than that required by such minimum provisions. Every such owner’s policy of
liability insurance shall provide insurance against loss from the liability imposed by law for
damages, including damages for care and loss of services, because of bodily injury to or
destruction of property arising out of ownership, maintenance, use, or operation of a
specific motor vehicle or motor vehicles within Liberia, subject to a limit, exclusive of
interest and costs, with respect to each such motor vehicle, of $10,000 because of bodily
injuries to or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to such limit for one
person, to a limit of $20,000 because of bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any
one accident, and to a limit of $5,000 because of injury to or destruction of property of
others in any one accident; and, as to motor vehicles used for transporting passengers for
hire, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, with respect to each such motor
vehicle for any one accident, in the amount shown in the following schedule:

For damages for an incident to death or injuries to a person:

Maximum liability for injury Maximum liability for injury

Seating of capacity of
to or death of any one to or death of 2 or more
vehicle
person persons

Not more than 7 $10,000 $20,000

From 8 to 12 10,000 40,000

From 13 to 20 10,000 60,000

From 21 to 30 10,000 80,000

More than 30 10,000 100,000

For damages for and incident to injury to or destruction of property of others:

Maximum liability $5,000

The amounts of liability above required shall, however, be subject to reduction by regulation
of the Minister if in his opinion the premiums chargeable for policies providing liability
insurance to such amounts would exceed the premiums generally affordable by the Liberian

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 public. The policy of insurance need not be for a period coterminous with the registration
period of the vehicle insured. Any insurer authorized to issue an owner’s policy of liability
insurance as provided for in this chapter may, pending the issue of such a policy, make an
agreement to be known as a binder, or may, in lieu of such policy, issue a renewal
endorsement or evidence of renewal of an existing policy; each of which shall be construed
to provide indemnity or protection in like manner and to the same extent as such a policy.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to such binders, renewal endorsements, or
evidences of renewal.
(b) In the case of a vehicle registered in Liberia, the policy shall be issued by an insurer duly
authorized to transact business in Liberia.
(c) In the case of a vehicle registered outside Liberia, or both within and outside Liberia, in the
name of a nonresident, the policy shall either be issued by an authorized insurer or by an
unauthorized insurer authorized to transact business in the jurisdiction of the residence of
the insured or in the jurisdiction in which the vehicle is registered; and such policy shall
provide insurance from liability arising out of operation of the motor vehicle in Liberia.
(d) The policy shall be in the form which has been approved by the Commissioner of Insurance.
No such policy shall be issued or delivered in Liberia until a copy of the form of policy shall
have been on file with the Commissioner of Insurance for at least 30 days, unless sooner
approved in writing by the Commissioner, nor if within said period of 30 days the
Commissioner shall have notified the carrier in writing that in his opinion, specifying the
reasons therefor, the form of policy does not comply with the laws of Liberia.
(e) Every owner’s policy of liability insurance shall be subject to the following provisions, which
need not be contained therein:
(i) The liability of any company under such a policy shall become absolute whenever
loss or damage covered by said policy occurs, and the satisfaction by the insured of a
final judgment for such loss or damage shall not be a condition precedent to the
right or duty of the carrier to make payment on account of such loss or damage.
(ii) No such policy shall be cancelled or annulled with respect to any loss or damage by
an agreement between the carrier and the insured after the said insured has
become responsible for such loss or damage and any such cancellation or annulment
shall be void.
(iii) If the death of the insured shall occur after the insured has become liable during the
policy period for loss or damage covered by the policy, the policy shall not be
deemed terminated by such death with respect to such liability and the company
shall be liable thereunder in the same manner and to the same extent as though
death had not occurred.
(iv) Upon the recovery of a final judgment against any person for any loss or damage
covered by the policy, if the judgment debtor or the decedent whom he represents
was at the accrual of the cause of action insured against liability therefor under an
owner’s policy of liability insurance, the judgment creditor shall be entitled to have
the insurance money applied to the satisfaction of the judgment.
(v) If the death, insolvency or bankruptcy of the insured shall occur within the policy
period, the policy during the unexpired portion of such period shall cover the legal
representatives of the insured.

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3. Operator’s policy of liability insurance. The term “operator’s policy of liability insurance” means a
policy issued by an insurance carrier duly authorized to transact business in Liberia which shall insure
the person named therein as insured against loss from the liability imposed upon him by law for
damages, including damages for care and loss of services, because of bodily injury to or death of any
person, and injury to or destruction of property arising out of the use by him of any motor vehicle
not owned by him, subject to the same minimum provisions and approval required by paragraph 2
of this section with respect to an owner’s policy of liability insurance. With respect to a nonresident,
such policy may also be issued by an insurance carrier unauthorized to transact business in Liberia
provided the requirements of this chapter with respect to issuance of an owner’s policy of liability
insurance by such carrier have been met.

4. Certificate of insurance. The term “certificate of insurance” shall mean any evidence issued by or
on behalf of an insurance company stating in such form as the Minister may prescribe or approve
that such company has issued an owner’s policy of liability insurance on the motor vehicle or
vehicles designated therein. Such certificate shall contain at least the following information except
as otherwise provided:

(a) The name and address of the person to whom the policy was issued;
(b) The number and effective period of the policy. If all the motor vehicles owned by one
person during a defined period are insured under the same owner’s policy of liability
insurance, the certificate of insurance may so state and it shall then not be necessary to
identify the specific vehicle insured. The requirements of this chapter for an owner’s policy
of liability insurance may be fulfilled by the policies of one or more insurance carriers which
policies together meet such requirements.

5. Financial security bond. The term “financial security bond” shall mean for each motor vehicle a
bond executed by the owner and by a surety company duly authorized to transact business in
Liberia. No financial security bond shall be accepted by the Minister unless it is conditioned for
payments in the amount and under the same terms and conditions as are required for an owner’s
policy of liability insurance.

6. License to operate motor vehicles. The definition of the term “license to operate motor vehicles”
in section 2.1(e) shall apply to this chapter.

§ 4.4. Proof of financial security required for registration of vehicle.

1. Basic requirement. No motor vehicle shall be registered in Liberia unless the application for such
registration is accompanied by proof of financial security which shall be evidenced by a certificate of
insurance or evidence of a financial security bond.

2. Maintenance of proof of financial security. The owner of a motor vehicle which is registered in
Liberia or which by law is required to be registered in Liberia shall maintain proof of financial
security continuously throughout the registration period. When insurance with respect to any
motor vehicle is terminated by cancellation or failure to renew, the owner shall surrender forthwith
his registration certificate and registration plates of the vehicle to the Minister unless proof of
financial security otherwise is maintained in compliance with this chapter.

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3. Proof of financial security as to motor vehicles registered outside Liberia. No motor vehicle
registered outside Liberia shall be operated in Liberia unless there is furnished to the immigration
officer at the port of entry satisfactory evidence that an owner’s policy of liability insurance is in
effect on such vehicle. The immigration officer at the port of entry shall refuse permission for any
motor vehicle registered outside Liberia to enter Liberia if such evidence is lacking.

4. Penalty. Any person who violates the provisions of paragraph 2 or 3 of this section shall be
subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both.

§ 4.5. Notice of termination of insurance contract.

1. Notice to insured. No contract of insurance or renewal thereof for which a certificate of
insurance has been filed with the Minister shall be terminated by cancellation by the insurer or
failure to renew by the insurer until at least 20 days after serving a notice of termination on the
named insured in the manner below stated, except where the cancellation is for nonpayment of
premium, in which case 10 days’ notice of cancellation by the insurer shall be sufficient. The insurer
shall cause notice of termination to be served either personally on the insured by the constable
acting as ministerial officer for the traffic court or by mailing such notice by certified mail to the
residence of the insured. Service by mailing shall be complete only on return to the insurer of a
receipt signed by the insured. Time of the effective date and hour of termination stated in the
notice shall become the end of the policy period; provided that if another insurance contract has
been procured, such other insurance contract shall, as of its effective date and hour, terminate the
insurance previously certified with respect to any motor vehicles designated in both contracts. Every
such notice of termination for any such cause whatsoever sent to the insured shall include in type of
which the face shall not be smaller than 12 point a statement that proof of financial security is
required to be maintained continuously throughout the registration period and that failure to
maintain such proof of financial security requires revocation of the registration of the motor vehicle.

2. Notice to Minister. Upon the termination of insurance by cancellation or failure to renew, notice
of such cancellation or the termination shall be filed by the insurer with the Minister not later than
10 days following the effective date of such cancellation or other termination.

§ 4.6. Change in form of proof of financial security.

The Minister, subject to such reasonable regulations as he may establish, shall permit the form of
proof of financial security acceptable under this chapter to be substituted for another form of proof
of financial security which may already have been accepted by the Minister as complying with the
provisions of this chapter.

§ 4.7. Suspension of registrations, operators’ licenses, and nonresident privileges.

1. Owner of motor vehicle registered in Liberia or unregistered. The Minister upon receipt of
evidence that proof of financial security for any motor vehicle registered in Liberia is no longer in
effect or upon receipt of evidence that the owner of a motor vehicle registered in Liberia or an
unregistered motor vehicle has operated, or permitted such motor vehicle to be operated, upon the
highways of Liberia or any other jurisdiction while proof of financial security was not in effect with
respect to such vehicle, shall suspend the registration, if any, of the vehicle and the license to

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operate motor vehicles, if any, of such owner until proof of financial security is furnished as required
by this chapter. Such motor vehicle shall not be registered in the name of such person, or in any
other name where the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that such registration will have
the effect of defeating the purpose of this chapter, and no other motor vehicle shall be registered in
the name of such person, nor any license to operate motor vehicles issued to such person until such
proof of financial security is furnished.

2. Person other than owner. The Minister upon receipt of evidence that a person other than the
owner has operated in Liberia a motor vehicle registered in Liberia or an unregistered motor vehicle,
with knowledge that proof of financial security was not in effect with respect to such vehicle, shall
suspend the license to operate motor vehicles of such person, or if he is a nonresident, the
nonresident driving privileges of such person until proof of financial security is furnished. The
paragraph shall not apply to any person who at the time of operation of such vehicle had in effect an
operator’s policy of liability insurance, as defined in paragraph 3 of section 4.3 of this title, with
respect to his operation of such vehicle.

3. Owner of vehicle registered outside Liberia. The Minister, upon receipt of evidence that the owner
of a motor vehicle registered outside Liberia has operated or permitted such motor vehicles to be
operated within Liberia while proof of financial security was not in effect with respect to such
vehicle, shall suspend such person’s privilege to operate any motor vehicle in Liberia and the
privilege of the operation within Liberia of any motor vehicle owned by him. Such nonresident
privilege shall not be restored until proof of financial security is furnished as required by this
chapter.

4. Person other than owner operating vehicle registered outside Liberia. The Minister, upon receipt
of evidence that a person other than the owner of the vehicle has operated within Liberia a motor
vehicle registered outside Liberia with knowledge that proof of financial security was not in effect
with respect to such vehicle, shall suspend the license to operate motor vehicles of such person, or if
he is a nonresident, the nonresident privileges of such person. No new license to operate motor
vehicles shall be issued or nonresident privilege restored to such person until proof of financial
security is furnished as required by this chapter. This paragraph shall not apply to any person who at
the time of operation had in effect an operator’s policy of liability insurance, as defined in paragraph
3 of section 4.3 of this title, with respect to his operation of such motor vehicle.

5. Motor vehicle involved in accident. If a motor vehicle has been involved in an accident and its
registration or the license of its operator to operate motor vehicles, or both, have been suspended
pursuant to this section, then neither such vehicle nor any other motor vehicle shall be registered or
reregistered in the name of its owner or of any other person legally responsible for its use, nor shall
any license to operate motor vehicles be issued to such owner, person, or operator until one year
has passed since the date of such suspension and the Minister has received the evidence required by
paragraph 6 of this section. If a motor vehicle registered outside Liberia is involved in an accident in
Liberia and the privilege of its operation within Liberia has been revoked, then neither its owner nor
any person legally responsible for its use, nor its operator shall exercise the privilege of the
operation of such vehicle within Liberia or the privilege of operation within Liberia of any motor

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vehicle until one year has passed since the date of suspension and the Minister has received the
evidence required by paragraph 6 of this section.

6. Evidence required after motor vehicle involved in accident as prerequisite for restoring privileges.
The evidence referred to in paragraph 5 of this section shall be evidence satisfactory to the Minister:

(a) That no cause of action based upon such accident against such owner, person legally
responsible, or operator has been commenced within a period of one year from the date of
the accident or a release thereof has been given to such owner, person, or operator, or
(b) That no judgment arising out of such cause of action for amounts within the limits stated in
or fixed by the Minister pursuant to paragraph 2(a) of section 4.3 of this title against such
owner, person, or operator remains unsatisfied, except that such registration and licensing
privileges may be restored on compliance with the procedures for payment of a judgment in
installments provided in the Civil Procedure Law.

7. General provisions on revocation and suspension. The provisions of section 2.71 of this title shall
apply to a suspension under this section.

§ 4.8. Effect of bankruptcy.

A discharge in bankruptcy shall not relieve a person from the penalties and disabilities provided in
this chapter.

§ 4.9 Impoundment of motor vehicle after accident.

1. Impoundment by order of court. If the owner or operator of a motor vehicle involved in an
accident occurring in Liberia resulting in death or bodily injuries or property damage to any other
person has not produced satisfactory evidence as proof of financial security within 48 hours after the
accident, the motor vehicle shall be subject to impoundment by any peace officer who has obtained
from the traffic court an order authorizing such impoundment. If, however, a peace officer at the
scene of such accident has reasonable cause to believe that any motor vehicle involved therein will
not be readily located if allowed to leave the scene, and proof of financial security has not been
produced with regard to such vehicle, he may cause such vehicle to be taken immediately to the
traffic court, which may issue an order of impoundment of such vehicle unless proof of financial
security at the time of the accident is produced forthwith. On production of such proof, the vehicle
shall be released to the owner or other shall take possession of the registration certificate and
registration plates and return them to the Minister. Impoundment shall be at the expense of the
owner. So long as the impoundment is in force no person shall remove the impounded vehicle or
permit it to be removed from its place of impoundment except upon order of the Minister.

2. Impoundment by owner. If a motor vehicle involved in an accident occurring in Liberia resulting in

death or bodily injuries or property damage to a person other than the owner is subject to
impoundment and is not impounded by official action as authorized in paragraph 1 of this section,
the owner or his representative shall cause such motor vehicle to be stored in a public garage or
storage place in Liberia as selected by the owner and shall continue such storage for the period of
time provided in this section. The aforementioned storage shall constitute “impoundment” within
the meaning of this section. The cost of storage of any such impounded motor vehicle shall be
borne by the owner. Immediately upon impoundment, the owner or his representative shall:

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 (a) Notify the bailee of the impounded motor vehicle of the fact that the same is stored as an
impounded vehicle;
(b) Notify the Minister in writing of the street address and city or municipality where such
motor vehicle is stored; and
(c) If the owner is a resident of Liberia, return the registration certificate and registration plates
with respect to such motor vehicle to the Minister.

3. Duration of impoundment. The impoundment shall continue until (a) there is a final disposition of
the claim for death or bodily injury or property damage resulting from the accident in which such
motor vehicle was involved, by payment of a judgment or settlement by the owner, or by a final
judgment in his favor, or (b) one year has elapsed since the date of the accident and no action has
been commenced to recover for the injuries caused thereby, or (c) a release of the motor vehicle
upon order of the Minister. The Minister may order the release of such vehicle upon the depositing
with him of security or a bond in such form and amount as may be approved by the Minister. If such
motor vehicle is not released from impoundment after the lapse of one year, the Minister may
dispose of it by public sale and hold the proceeds from the sale pending the final disposition of the
claim.

4. Repairs to impounded vehicle. If repairs to an impounded motor vehicle are desired by the owner,
he, with the permission of the Minister, may authorize the motor vehicle to be taken to such repair
shop or garage as he may select for the purpose of having it repaired at the owner’s expense. Upon
completion of such repairs, the motor vehicle shall be impounded as provided in this section.

5. Release of damaged vehicle. If the Minister is satisfied by such evidence as he deems sufficient,
that any motor vehicle is so damaged that it cannot be restored to operable condition, he may, in his
discretion, upon such conditions as he deems proper, consent to the release of such motor vehicle
from impoundment.

6. Rights of prior lienors. Nothing herein contained shall affect the rights or remedies of any person
holding a prior valid lien on an impounded vehicle, including the right to the possession, or the right
of the bailee to a lien for storage of the impounded vehicle; provided, that such person shall, after
the sale of such vehicle for the satisfaction of any liens thereon, remit to the Minister as deposits of
security under this chapter on behalf of the former owner or purchaser of such vehicle any sums
which such owner or purchaser would otherwise be entitled to receive.

7. Civil penalty for violation. Any person who willfully violates any of the provisions of this section
shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, be liable for a civil penalty of $500 for each
violation.

§ 4.10. Notice to other jurisdictions.

The Minister shall transmit a certified copy of any record of any conviction under this chapter or of
any action taken pursuant to this chapter resulting in suspension or revocation of a nonresident’s
privilege to operate a motor vehicle in Liberia or the privilege of the operation within Liberia of any

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motor vehicle owned by him, to the motor vehicle commissioner or officer performing similar
functions in the jurisdiction in which such nonresident resides.

§ 4.11. Notice of accident to insurance company or surety company.

The owner of a motor vehicle as to which an owner’s policy of liability insurance or financial security
bond is in effect under the provisions of this chapter, shall notify the insurance company or surety
company in writing within seven days after the occurrence of any accident which in any manner
involves such motor vehicle. Failure to give notice of an accident as herein provided shall not affect
the liability of the insurance company or surety company.

Chapter 5. CIVIL LIABILITY

§ 5.1. Negligence in use or operation of vehicle attributable to owner.

1. Liability of owner. Every owner of a vehicle used or operated on any highway to which this title is
applicable shall be liable and responsible for death or injuries to a person or property resulting from
negligence in the use or operation of such vehicle, in the business of such owner or otherwise, by
any person using or operating such vehicle with the permission, express or implied, of the owner.

2. Meaning of “owner.” As used in this section, “owner” means a person, other than a lien holder,
having the property in or title to a vehicle. The term includes a person entitled to the use and
possession of a vehicle subject to a security interest in another person. A chattel mortgagee or
conditional vendor of a vehicle out of possession shall not be deemed an owner within the meaning
of this section.

3. Liability insurance. All bonds or policies of insurance issued to the owner of any vehicle subject to
the provisions of this section shall contain a provision for indemnity or security against liability and
responsibility provided in this section; but this provision shall not be construed as requiring that such
a policy include insurance against any liability of the insured, being an individual, for death of or
injuries to his or her spouse or for injury to property of his or her spouse.

Chapter 6. EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES

Subchapter A. General.
§ 6.1. Violation of chapter.
§ 6.2. Additional accessories.
§ 6.3. Exemptions.

Subchapter B. Brakes and Steering Mechanism.

§ 6.10. General requirements.
§ 6.11. Adjustment of brakes; approved types.

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Subchapter C. Sound Signaling Devices.
§ 6.20. Horn required.
§ 6.21. Sound signals limited to emergency vehicles.
§ 6.22. Theft alarm devices.

Subchapter D. Lamps and Lighting Equipment.

§ 6.30. When lighted lamps required.
§ 6.31. Distance at which lamps visible, how determined.
§ 6.32. Mounted height of lamps or devices defined.
§ 6.33. Head lamps required.
§ 6.34. Height of head lamps.
§ 6.35. Multiple-beam head lamps.
§ 6.36. Single-beam head lamps.
§ 6.37. Head lamps on motorcycles.
§ 6.38. Head lamps on farm tractors.
§ 6.39. Alternative head lamps.
§ 6.40. Tail lamps required.
§ 6.41. Specifications for tail lamps.
§ 6.42. Tail lamps for farm tractors.
§ 6.43. Reflectors required.
§ 6.44. Specifications for reflectors.
§ 6.45. Stoplights required.
§ 6.46. Specifications for stoplights.
§ 6.47. Turn signals required.
§ 6.48. Specifications for turn signals.
§ 6.49. Required lighting equipment for buses and trucks.
§ 6.50. Required lighting equipment for truck tractors.
§ 6.51. Required lighting equipment for trailers.
§ 6.52. Required lighting for vans and carryalls.
§ 6.53. Specification for reflectors for certain vehicles.
§ 6.54. Requirements for clearance and marker lights for certain vehicles.
§ 6.55. Color of lights on rear of vehicle.
§ 6.56. Lights required on vehicles operated in combination.
§ 6.57. Lights on loads extending beyond rear of vehicle.
§ 6.58. Required lamps for other vehicles.

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§ 6.59. Auxiliary lighting equipment.
§ 6.60. Forbidden lights.
§ 6.61. Sale or use of noncomplying lighting equipment prohibited.

Subchapter E. Noise and Smoke Suppressors.

§ 6.70. Mufflers required.
§ 6.71. Smoke suppressors.

Subchapter F. Windows and Windshields.

§ 6.80. Windshield wiper required.
§ 6.81. Safety glass required.
§ 6.82. Windows not to be obstructed.

Subchapter G. Tires.
§ 6.85. Amount of rubber required.

Subchapter H. Miscellaneous Equipment.

§ 6.90. When mirror required.

Subchapter A. GENERAL

§ 6.1. Violation of chapter.

It shall be an infraction:

(a) For any person to drive, operate, or move, or for any owner of a vehicle to cause or
knowingly to permit any person to drive, operate, or move any vehicle or combination of
vehicles if such vehicle or combination of vehicles is not equipped with the equipment
required by this chapter or is equipped with equipment not in proper adjustment or repair
or otherwise in violation of this chapter, or
(b) For any person to violate the provisions of this chapter in any other manner. The Minister
may deny or suspend registration or refuse to issue renewal of registration of a motor
vehicle or bicycle not equipped as required by this chapter.

§ 6.2. Additional accessories.

Nothing contained in this chapter prohibits the use on any vehicle of additional parts and accessories
which are not forbidden by express statement or clear implication.

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§ 6.3. Exemptions.
1. Of certain vehicles. Provisions of this chapter shall not apply to implements of husbandry, road
machinery, road rollers, or farm tractors except as herein specifically made applicable.

2. Of nonresidents. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to a motor vehicle owned by a
nonresident of the Republic of Liberia provided that the owner thereof has complied with the
provisions of the foreign country of his residence relative to the equipment of such vehicle. The
provisions of this paragraph, however, shall be operative as to a motor vehicle owned by a
nonresident only to the extent that under the laws of the foreign country of his residence like
exemptions and privileges are granted to motor vehicles duly registered under the laws of and
owned by residents of Liberia.

Subchapter B. BRAKES AND STEERING MECHANISM

§ 6.10. General requirements.

Every motor vehicle and bicycle shall be provided with adequate brakes and steering mechanism in
good working order and sufficient to control such vehicle at all times when it is in use.

§ 6.11. Adjustment of brakes; approved types.

All brakes shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the wheels on
the opposite sides of the vehicle. No person shall operate, drive, or move on any highway within the
application of this title a vehicle with brakes or a type of braking equipment which the Minister has
disapproved, or which, though of an approved type, does not comply in manner of operation with
the requirements of this section.

Subchapter C. SOUND SIGNALING DEVICES

§ 6.20. Horn required.

Every motor vehicle operated upon a highway within the application of this title shall be equipped
with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting a sound audible under normal conditions
at a distance of at least 200 feet; but no horn or other permitted sound signaling device shall emit an
unreasonably loud or harsh sound.

§ 6.21. Sound signals limited to emergency vehicles.

1. Permitted equipment on emergency vehicles. Any authorized police, fire, or other emergency or
official vehicle may be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell of a type approved by the Minister,
which device shall be capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions at a distance of
least 500 feet. Such siren, whistle, or bell shall not be used except when the vehicle is being
operated in response to a fire alarm or other emergency call, in the immediate pursuit of a
suspected criminal, or on other emergency business. In any such events, the operator shall sound
such device when reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other vehicle operators of its
approach.

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2. Such equipment forbidden on other vehicles. No other vehicle shall be equipped with, nor shall
any person use upon any other vehicle, any such siren, whistle, or bell.

§ 6.22. Theft alarm devices.

Any commercial vehicle may, but is not required to, be equipped with a theft alarm device so
arranged that it cannot be used by the operator as an ordinary warning signal.

Subchapter D. LAMPS AND LIGHTING EQUIPMENT

§ 6.30. When lighted lamps required.

At all times from one half hour after sunset to one half hour before sunrise and at every other time
when there is insufficient light to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles 500 feet away on
the highway, every vehicle on a highway within the application of this title shall display lighted lamps
and illuminating devices as hereinafter required, subject to all the exceptions here stated.

§ 6.31. Distance at which lamps visible, how determined.

Whenever a requirement is hereinafter set forth as to the distance from which certain lamps or
illuminating devices shall be visible, such provision shall apply during the time set forth in section
6.30 or a different time specifically stated, with respect to vehicles when upon a straight, level,
unlighted highway under normal atmospheric conditions, unless different conditions are expressly
stated.

§ 6.32. Mounted height of lamps or devices defined.

Whenever a requirement is set forth in this chapter as to the mounted height of lamps or
illuminating devices, such provision shall mean the distance from the center of the lamp or device to
the level of the ground on which the vehicle stands when such vehicle is without a load.

§ 6.33. Head lamps required.

1. For motor vehicles generally. Every motor vehicle except a motorcycle shall be equipped with at
least two head lamps, one on each side of the front of the vehicle, which head lamps shall be lighted
whenever the vehicle is on the public highway during the period specified in section 6.30 of this title
unless the vehicle is parked, when the provisions of section 10.84 of this title shall apply.

2. For motorcycles. Every motorcycle shall be equipped with one or, if desired, two head lamps.

§ 6.34. Height of head lamps.

Every head lamp on a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, shall be located at a height of not less
than 28 nor more than 54 inches from the ground.

§ 6.35. Multiple-beam head lamps.

1. Required equipment. Except as otherwise provided by law, the head lamps on every motor
vehicle other than a motorcycle shall be so arranged that the operator may select at will between

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distributions of light projected to different elevations and subject to the requirements and
limitations set forth in the following paragraphs of this section.

2. Uppermost distribution of light. There shall be an uppermost distribution of light or composite

beam so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of 350 feet
ahead regardless of the load of the vehicle on which the lamp is mounted; the beam shall be one
degree of arc or more above the horizontal level of the lamp when the vehicle is not loaded and shall
not exceed 8,000 apparent candlepower, and at no other point of the distribution of light or
composite beam shall there be an intensity of more than 7,500 apparent candlepower.

3. Lowermost distribution of light. There shall be a lowermost distribution of light or composite

beam, so aimed that:

(a) When the vehicle is not loaded, none of the high intensity portion of the light which is
directed to the left of the forward projection of the extreme left side of the vehicle shall, at a
distance of 25 feet ahead, project higher than eight inches below the center of the lamp
from which it is emitted; and
(b) When the vehicle is not loaded, none of the high intensity portion of the light which is
directed to the right of the forward projection of the extreme left side of the vehicle shall, at
a distance of 25 feet ahead, project higher than three inches below the level of the center of
the lamp from which it is emitted; and
(c) In no event shall any portion of any intensity of such lowermost distribution of the
composite beam project, at a distance of 75 feet ahead, higher than 42 inches above the
level of the surface over which the vehicle is moving. In addition to the foregoing
requirements the lowermost distribution of light shall be so aimed and of sufficient intensity
to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 100 feet ahead.

4. Intermediate beam. When an intermediate beam is provided, it shall be in conformity with the
requirements of paragraph 3(a) of this section unless the lamp is provided with a beam indicator as
provided in paragraph 5 of this section.

5. Beam indicators. Every new motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, registered in this Republic
after January 1, 1958, which has multiple-beam road-lighting equipment, shall be equipped with a
beam indicator, which shall be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light is being used
and at no other time; provided, however, that the multiple-beam road-lighting equipment has an
intermediate beam which does not comply with the requirements of paragraph 3(a) of this section,
then the beam indicator shall be some separate and distinguishable light indicating when the
intermediate beam is being used. The indicator shall be so designed and located that when lighted it
will be readily visible to the operator of the vehicle but will not glare.

6. Use of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment. Every operator of a vehicle with multiple-beam

head lamps which is driven on a highway within the application of this title or shoulder adjacent
thereto shall use a distribution of light or a composite beam directed high enough and of sufficient
intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a safe distance ahead of the vehicle; provided, however,
that the following limitations and requirements shall be complied with: Whenever a vehicle with

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multiple-beam lights which is operated on a highway within the application of this title or on the
shoulder adjacent thereto approaches an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, the operator shall use a
distribution of light or composite beam so aimed that glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of
the operator of the oncoming vehicles, and in no case shall the high-intensity portion which is
projected to the left of the forward projection of the extreme left side of the vehicle be, at a
distance of 25 feet ahead, aimed higher than the center of the lamp from which it is emitted nor, at
a distance of 75 feet ahead, higher than 42 inches above the surface over which the vehicle is
traveling; provided, however, that the lowermost distribution of light specified in paragraph 3 of this
section shall be deemed to avoid glare at all times, regardless of road contour and loading.

§ 6.36. Single-beam head lamps.

1. When permitted. Head lamps arranged to provide a single distribution of light shall be permitted
on motor vehicles manufactured and sold before March 1, 1958, in lieu of the multiple-beam road-
lighting equipment specified in section 6.35 of this title, if the single distribution of light complies
with the requirements and limitations of this section.

2. Aim. The head lamps shall be so aimed that none of the high-intensity portion of the light shall,
at a distance of 25 feet ahead of the vehicle, project higher than five inches below the center of the
lamp from which it was emitted, and, at a distance of 75 feet ahead of the vehicle, higher than 42
inches above the surface on which the vehicle is moving.

3. Intensity. The intensity of the light shall be sufficient to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance
of at least 200 feet.

§ 6.37. Head lamps on motorcycles.

1. Types permitted. The head lamp or head lamps on a motorcycle may be of the single-beam or
multiple-beam type, but in either case it or they shall comply with the requirements and limitations
set forth in this section unless the provisions of section 6.39 of this title are applicable.

2. Intensity. Every head lamp shall be of sufficient intensity to reveal a person or vehicle at a
distance of not less than 200 feet when the motorcycle is being driven at the rate of 25 miles per
hour or more.

3. Distribution of light. If a motorcycle is equipped with multiple-beam head lamps, the uppermost
distribution of light or composite beam shall comply with the requirements of section 6.35(2) of this
title for motor vehicles, and the lowermost distribution of light or composite beam shall comply with
the requirements of section 6.35(3) of this title for motor vehicles.

4. Aim of single-beam lamp. If a motorcycle is equipped with a single-beam lamp or lamps, it or

they shall be so aimed that when the motorcycle is loaded, none of the high-intensity portion of the
light shall, at a distance of 25 feet in front of the motorcycle, project higher than the level of the
center of the lamp or lamps from which it is emitted.

§ 6.38. Head lamps on farm tractors.

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Despite the exemption set forth in section 6.3 of this title, every farm tractor equipped with an
electric lighting system shall have mounted on front two multiple-beam or single-beam head lamps
which meet the requirements of this subchapter.

§ 6.39. Alternative head lamps.

Any motor vehicle may be operated with two lighted lamps mounted on the front which are capable
of revealing persons and objects 75 feet ahead instead of the head lamps hereinbefore specified,
provided that such vehicle is, at all times when lighted lamps are required, operated at a speed not
exceeding 20 miles per hour.

§ 6.40. Tail lamps required.

Every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, pole trailer, and every other vehicle which is drawn at the
end of a train of vehicles shall be equipped with at least one tail lamp mounted on the rear, which
shall meet the requirements of section 6.41 of this title.

§ 6.41. Specifications for tail lamps.

1. Visibility. Every tail lamp shall emit a red light plainly visible 500 feet to the rear, provided,
however, that in the case of a train of vehicles, only the tail lamp of the last vehicle shall actually be
required to be visible from the distance specified herein.

2. Height of mounting. The tail lamp on any vehicle shall be mounted at a height of not less than 20
nor more than 60 inches from the ground.

3. Illumination of license plates. The tail lamp or one of them shall be so constructed and so placed
as to illuminate with white light the rear registration or license plate of the vehicle so that it will be
clearly legible for 50 feet to the rear; or a separate lamp shall be constructed and placed so as to
furnish such illumination. The tail lamp or lamps and any other lamp which illuminates the
registration or license plate shall be wired so that they are lighted whenever the head lamps or
auxiliary driving lamps are lighted.

4. Incorporation of reflectors and stoplights. Red reflectors may be incorporated in tail lamps, as
provided in section 6.43 of this title; and also stoplights, as provided in section 6.45 of this title.

§ 6.42. Tail lamps for farm tractors.

Despite the exemption set forth in section 6.3 of this title, every farm tractor equipped with an
electric lighting system shall have mounted on the rear a red tail lamp which complies with the
requirements of section 6.41 of this title.

§ 6.43. Reflectors required.

No person shall sell any motor vehicle made after March 1, 1957, and no person shall operate any
such vehicle, unless it carries at the rear two red reflectors, complying with the requirements of
section 6.44 of this title, which reflectors may be part of the tail lamps or separate therefrom;
provided, however, that motorcycles are required to have only one reflector; and provided, further,
that sections 6.49-6.52 of this title shall apply to the types of vehicles therein specified.

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§ 6.44. Specifications for reflectors.
1. Height of mounting. The reflectors shall be mounted on the rear of every vehicle at a height of
not less than 20 nor more than 60 inches from the ground.

2. Visibility. The reflectors shall be red, and shall be of such size and characteristics and so mounted
that they shall be visible at night at all distances between 50 and 300 feet from the vehicle on which
they are mounted when they are directly in front of the lawful upper beams of another vehicle’s
head lamps; provided, however, that visibility for a greater distance shall be required for certain
vehicles as provided in other sections of this subchapter.

§ 6.45. Stoplights required.

No person shall sell any motor vehicles, including a motorcycle, made after March 1, 1957, and no
person shall operate any such vehicle unless the vehicle is equipped with a stoplight which conforms
to the requirements of section 6.46 of this title.

§ 6.46. Specifications for stoplights.

1. Mounting. The stoplight shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle. It may be incorporated with
the tail lamp.

2. Operation. The stoplight shall emit a red or yellow light and shall be actuated by application of
the foot (service) brake.

3. Visibility. The stoplight shall be plainly visible from a distance of 100 feet to the rear of the
vehicle at all times of the day and night, but it shall not emit a glaring or dazzling light.

§ 6.47. Turn signals required.

All motor vehicles shall be equipped with signal lights or devices indicating an intention to turn to
either the right or the left and conforming to the requirements of section 6.48 of this section.

§ 6.48. Specifications for turn signals.

1. Type. Turn signals may be either lights or self-illuminating mechanical devices.

2. Visibility. Turn signals shall be visible from a distance of 100 feet to both the front and rear of the
vehicle, but no signal light shall be dazzling or glaring.

§ 6.49. Required lighting equipment for buses and trucks.

1. Buses and trucks of all sizes. Every bus or truck, whatever its size, shall be equipped with the
following in addition to all other equipment required by this subchapter: four directional lights or
turn signals, one on each front fender and one on each side of the rear in a visible position above
each of the tail lights; and on the rear, in the most prominent locations, four reflectors, and one or
more stoplights.

2. Buses and trucks over certain width. Every bus or truck more than 80 inches in overall width shall
have, in addition to other required equipment: on the front, two clearance lights, one on each side;
on the rear, two clearance lights, one on each side; on each side, two side marker lights, one at or

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near the front and the other at or near the rear; on each side, two reflectors, one at or near the
front and the other at or near the rear.

§ 6.50. Required lighting equipment for truck tractors.

Every truck tractor shall be equipped with: on the front, two clearance lights, one on each side; on
the rear, one stoplight.

§ 6.51. Required lighting equipment for trailers.

1. For trailers generally. Every trailer shall be equipped with the following in addition to all other
equipment required by this subchapter: four directional lights or turn signals, one on each front
fender and one on each side at the rear in a visible position above each of the tail lights; and on the
rear in the most prominent locations, four reflectors.

2. For trailers and semi-trailers over certain weight. Every trailer or semi-trailer having a gross
weight of more than 3,000 pounds shall be equipped with: on the front, two clearance lights one on
each side; on each side, two side marker lights, one at or near the front and the other at or near the
rear; on each side, two reflectors, one at or near the front and the other at or near the rear; on the
rear; two clearance lights, one on each side; and one spotlight.

3. For pole trailers over certain weight. Every pole trailer having gross weight of more than 3,000
pounds shall be equipped on each side with one side marker light and one clearance light, which
may be in combination, and which shall be visible from the front, side, and rear.

4. Trailers under certain weight. Every trailer, semi-trailer, or pole trailer having a gross weight of
3,000 pounds or less shall have on the rear one stoplight if the trailer, semi-trailer, or pole trailer is
so loaded or of such dimensions that the stoplight of the towing vehicle is obscured.

§ 6.52. Required lighting for vans and carryalls.

Every van and carryall shall be equipped with the following in addition to all other equipment
required by this subchapter: four directional lights or turn signals, one on each front fender and one
on each side at the rear in a visible position above each of the tail lights; and on the rear in the most
prominent locations, four reflectors.

§ 6.53. Specifications for reflectors for certain vehicles.

1. Application of section. The reflectors required by sections 6.49, 6.51, and 6.52 of this title shall
comply with the requirements set forth in this section.

2. Color. Reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front shall reflect an amber color.
Reflectors mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear shall reflect a red color.

3. Height of mounting. Reflectors shall be mounted at a height of not less than 24 nor more than 60
inches from the ground or on the highest part of the permanent structure of the vehicle as high as
possible on that part; but in no case shall they be less than 24 inches from the ground.

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4. Location on pole trailers. Rear reflectors on a pole trailer may be mounted on each side of the
bolster or load.

5. Incorporation with tail light. Any required red reflector on the rear of a vehicle may be
incorporated with the tail light, but such reflector shall nevertheless meet all requirements of this
subchapter.

6. Visibility. Every reflector shall be of such size and characteristic and so mounted and maintained
that it is visible at night at any distance between 50 and 500 feet from the vehicle when the lawful
upper beams of another vehicle’s head lamps are directed at it. Every reflector required to be
mounted on the side of a vehicle shall reflect the required amber color to the side of such vehicle,
and every reflector mounted on the rear of a vehicle shall reflect the required red color to the rear.

§ 6.54. Requirements for clearance and marker lights for certain vehicles.
1. Application of section. The clearance and marker lights required by sections 6.49, 6.50, and 6.51
of this title shall comply with the requirements set forth in this section.

2. When clearance and side marker lights to be lighted. Clearance and side marker lights shall be
lighted at the times stated in section 6.30 of this title, except when the vehicle on which they are
mounted is operated within a municipality where there is sufficient light to render clearly discernible
persons and vehicles at a distance of 500 feet on the highway.

3. Color. Clearance and marker lights mounted on the front or at the side near the front shall
display an amber color. Clearance and marker lights mounted on the rear or on the sides near the
rear shall display a red color.

4. Mounting. Clearance lights shall be mounted on the permanent structure of a vehicle as near the
top as possible and in such a manner as to indicate its extreme width.

5. Combination mounting. Clearance lights and side marker lights may be mounted in combination
provided that each separately provided the illumination required of it by paragraph 6 of this section.

6. Visibility. Front and rear clearance lights shall be visible and distinguishable under normal
atmospheric conditions at all times when such lights are required at a distance of 500 feet from the
vehicle on which they are mounted.

§ 6.55. Color of lights on rear of vehicle.

All lighting devices mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display a red color; provided, however,
that a stoplight or turn signal may be red, amber, or yellow; and provided further, that the light
which illuminates the license or registration plate and the light emitted by the reversing or backup
light shall be white.

§ 6.56. Lights required on vehicles operated in combination.

When vehicles are operated in combination during periods when lamps are required to be lighted,
no lamp on any vehicle in the combination is required to be lighted if it would be obscured by

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another vehicle of the combination; provided, however, that this exemption does not apply to (a)
tail lamps, nor to (b) clearance lights on the front of the first vehicle of the combination and on the
rear of the last vehicle of the combination.

§ 6.57. Lights on loads extending beyond rear of vehicle.

Whenever the load on any vehicle extends four feet or more beyond the rear of the body of such
vehicle, there shall be displayed at the rear end of the load, at all times when lighted lamps are
required, a red lamp or lantern visible for a distance of at least 500 feet to the sides and rear of the
vehicle. Such red lamp or lantern shall be in addition to all other lighting equipment required by this
subchapter. At times when lighted lamps are not required, a red flag shall be displayed in
accordance with the provisions of section 7.7 of this title.

§ 6.58. Required lamps for other vehicles.

All vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles, not hereinbefore specified in this subchapter, shall be
equipped with at least one lamp or lantern which emits a white light visible from a distance of 500
feet in front of the vehicle and with a lamp or lantern which emits a red light visible from a distance
of 500 feet to the rear. Such lamps or lanterns shall be lighted at all times prescribed in section 6.30
of this title.

§ 6.59. Auxiliary lighting equipment.

1. Permitted equipment. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with any of the lighting equipment
listed below, provided that such equipment complies with the requirements of this chapter and the
specific requirements set forth in this section:

(a) Not more than one spotlight; provided, however, that when a vehicle with a lighted spotlight
approaches or is approached by another vehicle, the spotlight shall be aimed and used so
that (i) no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam is directed more than 100 feet
ahead of the vehicle on which the spotlight is mounted, and (ii) no part of the high-intensity
portion of the beam is directed farther to the left of the roadway than the forward
projection of the extreme left-hand side of the vehicle on which the spotlight is mounted.
(b) No more than two fog lights, which shall be mounted on the front at a height of not less
than 12 nor more than 30 inches above the ground. Every fog light shall be so aimed that,
when the vehicle is not loaded, no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam to the left
of the center of the vehicle shall, at a distance of 25 feet in front of said fog light, project
higher than four inches below the center of said fog light.
(c) No more than one auxiliary passing light, which shall be mounted on the front of the vehicle
at a height of not less than 16 nor more than 42 inches above the ground.
(d) Not more than one auxiliary driving light, which shall be mounted on the front of the vehicle
at a height of not less than 15 nor more than 42 inches above the ground.
(e) No more than two side cowl or fender lights, which shall emit an amber or white light
without glare.
(f) Not more than one running-board courtesy light on each side, which lights shall emit an
amber or white light without glare.

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 (g) No more than two white reverse or backup lights, which may be separate or in combination
with other lights; provided, however, that no such light shall be lighted unless the vehicle is
moving backwards.

2. Distribution requirements for certain lights. Except as otherwise provided by law, the auxiliary
driving light and auxiliary passing light and any combination of either or both of them with the
vehicle’s head lamps on every motor vehicle other than a motorcycle shall be so arranged that the
operator may select at will between distributions of lights projected to different elevations in
accordance with the requirements and limitations for multiple-beam head lamps as set forth in
section 6.35 of this title.

3. Limitation on number of lights on front of vehicle. Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with head
lamps as required by this subchapter is also equipped with auxiliary driving or passing lights,
spotlight, or other lights mounted on the front which project a beam of an intensity of more than
300 candlepower, the maximum number of such lamps on the front of the vehicle which shall be
lighted at the same hour shall be four.

4. Distance of beam of certain lights. Any lighted lamp or illuminating device upon a motor vehicle
other than head lamps, spotlights, auxiliary lights, or flashing front direction-signals which project a
beam of light of an intensity greater than 300 candlepower shall be so directed that no part of the
beam will strike at the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands more than 75 feet from the
vehicle.

§ 6.60. Forbidden lights.

1. Red lights. No person shall operate or move on any highway any vehicle or equipment which
displays thereon a red light visible from directly in front of the center thereof; provided, however,
that this paragraph shall not apply to authorized police, fire, or other emergency equipment.

2. Flashing lights. Flashing lights are prohibited on all vehicles, except authorized police, fire, and
other emergency vehicles, and except as a means of indicating a right or left turn in compliance with
the provisions of section 6.47 and 6.48 of this title.

§ 6.61. Sale or use of noncomplying lighting equipment prohibited.

1. Approval of prototype by the Minister. No person shall have for sale, sell, or use upon or as part
of the equipment of any motor vehicle or trailer of any sort to which the provisions of this title apply
any lighting equipment, lamp, or device of the type to which the provisions of this subchapter apply
unless a prototype has been approved by the Minister or unless the equipment bears thereon the
legible (as of the date of installation) trademark or name under which it has been approved; nor
shall any person sell, have for sale, or use upon or as part of the equipment of any such vehicle any
such lighting equipment, lamp, or device (or part thereof) which has been changed in either design
or performance from the approved original unless a prototype of such changed equipment, lamp, or
device (or part thereof) has been submitted to the Minister and approved by him.

2. Bulbs. No person shall use upon any motor vehicle or trailer of any sort to which this title applies
any lighting equipment, lamp, or device unless such motor vehicle or trailer is equipped with bulbs

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of the rated candlepower and mounted and adjusted as to focus and aim so as to comply with the
provisions of this subchapter.

Subchapter E. NOISE AND SMOKE SUPPRESSORS

§ 6.70. Mufflers required.

Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in
constant operation, which muffler shall be effective to prevent excessive or unusual noise or
annoying smoke. No person shall use a muffler cutout, by-pass, or similar device upon any motor
vehicle.

§ 6.71. Smoke suppressors.

The engine and power mechanism of every motor vehicle shall be so equipped and adjusted as to
prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke.

Subchapter F. WINDOWS AND WINDSHIELDS

§ 6.80. Windshield wiper required.

The windshield of every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain or other
moisture from the windshield, which device shall be so constructed that it can be operated or
controlled by the vehicle operator. Every windshield wiper on a motor vehicle shall be maintained in
good working order.

§ 6.81. Safety glass required.

1. Application of section. This section shall apply to all passenger vehicles, including passenger buses
and school buses, and to all trucks, including truck tractors, insofar as glass in the doors, windows,
and windshield of the driver’s compartment is concerned.

2. Requirement of safety glass. No person shall sell any new motor vehicle, nor shall any new motor
vehicle be registered, unless it is equipped with safety glass of a type approved by the Minister
wherever glass is used in doors, windows, and windshields.

3. Definition of “safety glass.” The term “safety glass” shall mean any product composed of glass so
manufactured, fabricated, or treated as substantially to prevent shattering and flying of glass when
the glass is struck or broken, or such other similar product as may be approved by the Minister.

4. Registration to be denied noncomplying vehicle. The Minister shall compile and publish a list, by
name, of the types of glass approved by him as meeting the requirements of this section; and no
vehicle subject to the provisions of this section shall be registered unless it is equipped with an
approved type of safety glass. The Minister shall hereafter cause to be suspended the registration of
any motor vehicle subject to the provision of this section which is not so equipped until it is brought
into conformity therewith.

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§ 6.82. Windows not be obstructed.
No person shall operate any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material
on the front windshield, side wings, ventilator windows, or side or rear windows, in such a position
that it obstructs the operator’s view of the highway or of any intersecting highway.

Subchapter G. TIRES

§ 6.85. Amount of rubber required.

Every solid rubber tire on a vehicle shall have rubber on its entire traction surface at least one inch
thick above the edge of the flange on the entire periphery.

Subchapter H. MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT

§ 6.90. When mirror required.

Every motor vehicle which is so constructed or loaded that the operator’s view to the rear thereof is
obstructed shall be equipped with a mirror located so that it reflects to the operator a view of the
highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle.

Chapter 7. DIMENSIONS, WEIGHTS, AND LOADS OF VEHICLES

§ 7.1. Violation of chapter an infraction.

§ 7.2. Exceptions to application of chapter.
§ 7.3. Maximum width allowed.
§ 7.4. Maximum excess width of load on passenger vehicles.
§ 7.5. Maximum height.
§ 7.6. Maximum length of vehicle and load.
§ 7.7. Flag on load extending beyond rear of vehicle.
§ 7.8. Load to be secured.
§ 7.9. Maximum weight per axle.
§ 7.10. Maximum gross weight.
§ 7.11. Special permits.
§ 7.12. Enforcement of provisions regarding weight of vehicles.
§ 7.13. Liability for damage due to excess weight.

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§ 7.14. Registration to show permissible gross weight.
§ 7.15. Special license for operator of overweight vehicle.

§ 7.1. Violation of chapter an infraction.

It shall be an infraction for any person to operate, drive, or move, or for the owner to cause or
knowingly to permit to be operated, driven, or moved, any vehicle of a size or weight exceeding the
limitations set forth in this chapter or otherwise in violation of the provisions of this chapter. The
Minister may deny or suspend registration or refuse renewal of registration of a motor vehicle the
dimensions or weight of which are in violation of this chapter.

§ 7.2. Exceptions to application of chapter.

Except as otherwise expressly provided, the provisions of this chapter shall not apply to fire
apparatus, to road machinery, to implements of husbandry, including farm tractors, temporarily
moved upon a highway, or to any vehicle operated in accordance with the terms of a special permit
as herein below provided.

§ 7.3. Maximum width allowed.

The total outside width of any vehicle or load thereon shall not exceed eight feet.

§ 7.4. Maximum excess width of load on passenger vehicles.

No passenger vehicle shall be operated on any highway carrying any load thereon which extends
beyond the line of the fenders on the left side nor more than six inches beyond the line of the
fenders on the right side of the vehicle.

§ 7.5. Maximum height.

No vehicle, including any load thereon, shall exceed a height of more than 12 feet, 6 inches.

§ 7.6. Maximum length of vehicle and load.

1. Maximum length stated. No vehicle, including any load thereon, shall exceed an overall length of
35 feet, inclusive of front and rear bumpers; provided, however, that a bus equipped with three
axles shall not exceed an overall length of 40 feet, inclusive of front and rear bumpers.

2. Combination of vehicles. No combination of vehicles coupled together shall consist of more than
two units, and no such combination of vehicles, including any load thereon, shall have an overall
length, inclusive of front and rear bumpers, in excess of 50 feet, except as otherwise provided in this
section.

3. Extension of load beyond vehicle. Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 of this section,
the load upon any vehicle operated alone or the load upon a front vehicle of a combination of
vehicles shall not extend more than three feet beyond the foremost part of the vehicle; and the load
upon a vehicle operated alone or upon the rear vehicle of a combination of vehicles shall not extend
more than six feet beyond the body or bed of such vehicle.

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4. Loads on pole trailers. The limitations as to length of vehicle and loads as set forth in the
preceding paragraphs of this section shall not apply to any pole trailer when transporting poles or
pipes or structural material which cannot be dismembered; provided, however, that no pole or pipe
or other material exceeding 80 feet in length shall be so transported unless a permit has first been
obtained as provided in this chapter.

§ 7.7. Flag on load extending beyond rear of vehicle.

Whenever the load on any vehicle extends four feet or more beyond the rear of the body of such
vehicle, there shall be displayed at the rear end of such load a red flag or cloth not less than 12
inches square, so hung that the entire area is visible to the operator of a vehicle approaching from
behind; provided, however, that at all times when lights are required, the vehicle and its load shall
comply with the provision as to lights contained in section 6.57 of this title.

§ 7.8. Load to be secured.

1. Construction of vehicle. No vehicle shall be operated, driven, or moved on any highway within the
application of this title unless such vehicle is so constructed and loaded as to prevent any of its loads
from dripping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping therefrom; provided, however, that sand may
be dropped for the purpose of securing traction, and water or other substances may be sprinkled on
a roadway to clean or maintain such roadway. The provision of this section does not apply to water
which may unavoidably drip from the transportation of coagulated rubber or sand unavoidably
dripped from a closed-body truck.

2. Fastening of load. No person shall operate, drive, or move a loaded vehicle on any highway unless
the load and the cover thereon are securely fastened so as to prevent the load or covering from
becoming loose, detached, or in any other manner a hazard to other users of the highway.

§ 7.9. Maximum weight per axle.

1. Weight stated. The gross weight imposed on a highway by the wheels of any one axle of a vehicle
shall not exceed 18,000 pounds.

2. Definition of axle load. For the purpose of this section, an axle load is the total load transmitted
to the road by all wheels whose centers are included between two parallel transverse planes 40
inches apart extending across the full width of the vehicle.

§ 7.10. Maximum gross weight.

1. Weight stated. Subject to the limitations of section 7.9 of this title, the total gross weight with
load imposed upon a highway by one group of two or more consecutive axles of a vehicle or
combination of vehicles shall not exceed the gross weight given for the respective distance between
the first and last axle of the total group of axles measured longitudinally to the nearest foot, as set
forth in the following schedule:

Distance in feet Maximum load in Distance in feet Maximum load in

between first and last pounds on group of between first and last pounds on group of
group of axles axles group of axles axles
4 32,000 31 53,490

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 5 32,000 32 54,330
6 32,000 33 55,169
7 32,000 34 55,980
8 32,610 35 56,800
9 33,518 36 57,610
10 34,550 37 58,420
11 35,510 38 59,220
12 36,470 39 60,010
13 37,420 40 60,800
14 38,360 41 61,580
15 39,300 42 62,360
16 40,230 43 63,130
17 41,160 44 63,890
18 42,080 45 64,650
19 42,990 46 65,400
20 43,900 47 66,150
21 44,800 48 66,890
22 45,700 49 67,620
23 46.590 50 68,350
24 47,470 51 69,070
25 48,350 52 69,790
26 49,220 53 70,500
27 50,090 54 71,200
28 50,950 55 71,900
29 51,800 56 72,590
30 52,650 54 73,280

2. Schedule explained. The portion of the above schedule referring to the distance between the first
and last axles up to and including 35 feet is consistent with and has reference to the permissible
total length of a vehicle with two axles; up to and including 40 feet, a bus equipped with three axles;
and up to and including 50 feet, a combination of vehicles, all as provided in section 7.6 of this title.
The portion of the schedule referring to distances in excess of 50 feet constitutes a guide to
appropriate weight limits if a special permit is issued under the provisions of this chapter allowing
the operation of a combination of vehicles exceeding a total length of 50 feet; and it shall be
applicable if the law permits the operation of a combination of vehicles in excess of 50 feet in length.

§ 7.11. Special permits.

1. Issuance authorized. Upon a written application and for good cause shown, the Minister may, in
his discretion, issue a special written permit authorizing the applicant to operate, drive, or move or
to cause to be operated, driven, or moved upon specified public highways a vehicle or combination
of vehicles of a size or weight or load exceeding the maxima specified in this chapter. If such permit
is issued, the Minister may limit the number of trips or establish seasonal or other time limitations
within which the vehicle described may be operated on the highways indicated or otherwise limit or
prescribe conditions of operation of such vehicle whenever necessary to assure against damage to
road foundations, surfaces, or structures; and the Minister may require such bond or security as he
may deem necessary to compensate for any injury to any roadway or road structure.

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2. Contents of application. Every application for a special permit shall specially describe the vehicle
or vehicles to be operated, driven, or moved, and their loads, and the particular highway or
highways for which such permit is requested. It shall also state whether the permit is requested for
a single trip or for continuous operation.

3. Availability of permit for inspection. Every permit issued in accordance with this section shall be
carried in the vehicle or combination of vehicles for which it has been issued and shall be made
available for inspection by any police officer or authorized agent of the Minister.

4. Compliance with permit. No person shall violate any of the terms or conditions of a special
permit granted under the provisions of this section.

§ 7.12. Enforcement of provisions regarding weight of vehicles.

1. Compelling vehicle to be weighed. Any police officer who has reason to believe that the weight of
a vehicle and load is unlawful is authorized to require the operator of the vehicle to stop and have
the vehicle and load weighed on either portable or stationary scales; he may require that such
vehicle and load be driven to the nearest police station for weighing if the scales there are within
three miles.

2. Lightening load on overweight vehicle. Whenever an officer who weighs a vehicle and load in
accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 determines that the weight is excessive, he may
require the vehicle operator to stop such vehicle in a suitable place and to remain standing until the
load is sufficiently lightened to reduce the gross weight of the vehicle and load to the amount
permitted by this chapter. All materials unloaded under such circumstances shall be cared for by the
owner or operator of the vehicle at his risk.

3. Penalty. Any vehicle operator who fails or refuses to comply with the requirements of this section
to stop and have his vehicle weighed, to remain standing until any excess load is removed, or
otherwise, is subject to a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment of not more than six months,
or both.

§ 7.13. Liability for damage due to excess weight.

Any person who operates, drives, or moves a vehicle which exceeds the legal gross weight on any
public highway, even though authorized by permit to do so, shall be liable for all damage such
highway may sustain as a result of such operation, driving, or moving. Whenever an operator is not
the owner of an overweight vehicle but is operating, driving, or moving such vehicle with the express
or implied consent of the owner, the owner and the operator shall be jointly and severally liable for
any such damage. Compensation for such damage may be recovered in a civil action brought by the
Republic of Liberia.

§ 7.14. Registration to show permissible gross weight.

The Minister shall register every truck, truck tractor, and trailer of every kind for a permissible gross
weight not exceeding the limitations set forth in section 7.10 of this title and shall have such weights
stamped on the vehicle and indicated as the permissible gross weight. The Minister shall also have
inserted on the registration card issued for every such vehicle the gross weight for which it is

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registered; and if it is a motor vehicle to be used for propelling other vehicles, he shall have inserted
separately the total permissible gross weight for such motor vehicle and all the other vehicles to be
propelled by it.

§ 7.15. Special license for operator of overweight vehicle.

The Minister may issue a special license for any person to operate any vehicle or combination of
vehicles of a gross weight in excess of that for which registered or in excess of the limitations set
forth in section 7.10 of this title.

Chapter 8. INSPECTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES

§ 8.1. Inspection as prerequisite for registration.

§ 8.2. Inspection on demand of police officer.
§ 8.3. Officer inspection stations.
§ 8.4. False inspections and fraudulent certificates forbidden.

§ 8.1. Inspection as prerequisite for registration.

1. Inspection required. As a prerequisite for registering or renewing registration of a motor vehicle,
the Minister shall require an inspection of such vehicle to determine whether its equipment is in
compliance with chapter 6 of this title and is in proper working order, and whether the vehicle may
be safely operated upon the highway. Registration shall be granted only if the vehicle has been
issued a certificate of inspection and approval by an official station licensed as provided in section
8.3.(2) of this title.

2. Payment of inspection fee. Except for motorcycles, motor scooters, and trailers, whose owners
are exempt from payment of the inspection fees herein prescribed, before making an inspection, the
owner of the inspection station or his agent or employee shall require that the owner of the motor
vehicle to be inspected produce a receipt showing payment to the Minister of Finance of the
appropriate inspection fee prescribed below:

Commercial vehicles as defined in section 3.80, including:

Vehicles for hire $7
Private vehicles $5

3. Issuance of certificate of inspection and approval. When a vehicle within the application of this
section has been inspected officially and found to comply with the provisions of chapter 6 of this
title and to be safely operable upon the highway, an official certificate of inspection and approval
shall be issued upon an official form. Such certificate shall then be forwarded to the Minister. The
inspection station shall also issue to the owner of the vehicle a certificate of approval which shall be
kept attached to the vehicle in a conspicuous location.

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§ 8.2. Inspection on demand of police officer.
1. Authority to stop vehicle and require inspection. Any member of the National Police Force and any
officer or employee specially designated by the Minister, when a vehicle has been involved in a
traffic accident or a moving violation of this title or if he has reasonable cause to believe that a
vehicle is unsafe or is not equipped as required by chapter 6 of this title or that its equipment,
particularly its brakes, is not in proper repair or adjustment, may require the operator of such
vehicle to stop and submit such vehicle to an inspection and such tests with reference thereto as
may be appropriate.

2. Duty to issue notice to appear. If the inspection made under the authority of paragraph 1 of this
section discloses that the vehicle is not in safe condition or lacks required equipment or has
equipment not in proper adjustment or repair, the officer shall issue to the operator a notice to
appear on a charge of violating section 6.1 or section 10.5 of this title. The notice to appear shall
conform to the requirements of the Criminal Procedure Law.

3. Defective vehicle to be corrected. If the inspection made under the authority of paragraph 1 of
this section discloses that the vehicle is not in safe condition or lacks required equipment or has
equipment not in proper adjustment or repair, the vehicle shall not be operated upon the highway,
except the distance to the nearest repair shop, until such repairs have been made as will render it in
safe condition and in compliance with chapter 6 of this title.

§ 8.3. Official inspection stations.

1. Stations established by Minister. The Minister may establish permanent or temporary stations
where inspection will be made by the Director of Motor Vehicles in cooperation with the National
Police Force. The Minister shall provide them with such movable or stationary equipment as he shall
deem suitable.

2. Stations created by license. The Minister is authorized to license official inspection stations
operated by private persons. Such a license shall be issued only after appropriate inquiry and
investigation and only when the Minister is satisfied that the station is properly equipped and has
competent personnel to make the required inspections, and that the applicant complies with the
provisions of this chapter and rules and regulations promulgated there under.

3. Licenses nontransferable; posting required. No license to a private person to operate an

inspection station shall be assigned or transferred or used at any location other than that therein
designated; every such license shall be posted in conspicuous place at the designated location.

4. Publicizing information. The Minister shall publicize the location of all official inspection stations
and the times during which inspection is made and certificates granted.

5. Regulation of stations. The Minister shall properly supervise all official inspection stations,
causing inspections thereof to be made at any reasonable time without notice. He shall revoke and
require the surrender of the license issued to any station which he finds is not properly equipped or
conducted. He shall maintain and post at the Ministry of Justice lists of every station which holds a
license and every station which has had its license revoked.

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§ 8.4. False inspections and fraudulent certificates forbidden.
1. Only official stations to inspect. Only official inspection stations may make inspections required by
this chapter and issue valid certificates of inspection and approval.

2. Misrepresentation of place as official station. No person shall in any manner represent any place
as an official inspection station unless such station is authorized to act as such under the provisions
of section 8.3 of this title.

3. Issuance of display of fraudulent certificates. No person shall issue or knowingly display or cause
to be displayed upon any vehicle any counterfeit certificate of inspection and approval or, unless the
vehicle for which it was issued has in fact been inspected and found to be in compliance with law,
any genuine certificate.

4. Penalty. A person who violates a provision of this section is subject to a fine of not more than
$500 or imprisonment for not more than six months.

Chapter 9. ACCIDENTS

§ 9.1. Responsibility of operator of vehicle involved in accident.

§ 9.2. Responsibility of occupants of vehicle.
§ 9.3. Responsibility of owner.
§ 9.4. Duty of police officer.
§ 9.5. Calling of coroner.
§ 9.6. Reports by garages and repair shops.
§ 9.7. Accident reports to be confidential.
§ 9.8. Accident statistics.

§ 9.1. Responsibility of operator of vehicle involved in accident.

1. General requirements. The operator of a vehicle which is involved in an accident shall stop his
vehicle at the scene of the accident and carry out the duties prescribed by the other provisions of
this section. If the police are present, he shall remain at the scene until authorized by them to leave.
He shall not disturb or interfere with any evidence of the cause of the accident or the actions or
conduct of the persons involved. He shall take every precaution not to obstruct the flow of traffic
more than necessary.

2. Injury to a person. If the accident results in injury to a person, the operator shall call the police as
soon as possible, and he shall also call a doctor or an ambulance, as the injury requires. He shall
render such first aid to the injured person as he is able and make him comfortable until medical
assistance arrives. If the accident results in death, the operator shall call an ambulance.

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3. Damage to vehicles. When an accident results in no personal injury but causes damage only to the
vehicles involved in the accident, the operators may exchange names, addresses, and operators’
license numbers and leave the scene of the accident without calling the police; but the operator of
any of the vehicles involved may call the police if he so desires, and in such case all operators shall
remain at the scene of the accident until authorized to leave by the police.

4. Unattended vehicle. The operator of a vehicle involved in a collision with an unattended vehicle
shall immediately stop at the scene of the accident and (a) locate and notify the owner or operator
of the damaged vehicle concerning the accident, (b) determine the name and address of the owner
or operator of the unattended vehicle, or (c) leave in a conspicuous place in or on the damaged
vehicle a written note, notifying him of the circumstances of the accident. In any case, the
notification shall state the name, address, and license number of the operator, and also his vehicle
registration number.

5. Damage to property other than vehicle. The operator of any vehicle involved in an accident
resulting in damage to real or personal property other than another vehicle shall take all reasonable
steps to locate and notify the owner thereof, informing him of the circumstances of the accident and
giving him his name, address, operator’s license number and vehicle registration number. If the
vehicle has struck and injured any domestic animal, the operator shall endeavor to locate its owner
or custodian or a policemen or peace officer of the vicinity and take any other reasonable and
appropriate action so that the animal may have necessary attention.

6. Report to police. The operator of any vehicle involved in an accident in which damage to property
of any person, including himself, in excess of $100 is sustained, shall report such accident to the
police within 24 hours of its occurrence.

7. Penalty. A person who fails to comply with the requirements of this section is subject to a fine of
not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year; and in addition to being
sentenced for that offense may have his license to operate motor vehicles suspended or revoked.

§ 9.2. Responsibility of occupants of vehicle.

If the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident is physically unable to comply with the provisions
of section 9.1 of this title, every occupant of the vehicle who is able to do so shall see that the
requirements of that section are satisfied. Any such occupant who fails to comply with the
requirements of paragraph 2 of section 9.1 is subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or
imprisonment for not more than one year. Any such occupant who fails to comply with the other
provisions of section 9.1 of this title is guilty of an infraction and may be sentenced to pay a fine of
not more than $100.

§ 9.3. Responsibility of owner.

If the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident is not the owner thereof, and if he is physically
unable to comply with the provisions of section 9.1 of this title, and if no occupants of the vehicle
are physically able to comply with the provisions of section 9.2 of this title, the owner of such vehicle
shall, within 24 hours after learning of the accident, report thereon to the police, stating all the

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details which are known to him; provided, however, that the owner shall not be required to make
such report if a report has been made by a public officer summoned to the scene of the accident. A
person who fails to comply with the provisions of this section is guilty of an infraction and may be
sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $100. In addition, the registration of the vehicle involved
in the accident may be suspended or revoked.

§ 9.4. Duty of police officer.

When a police officer is present at, or is called to, the scene of a traffic accident, he shall investigate
the causes thereof and prefer charges against any person who has violated the law; and in case of
death resulting therefrom, he shall summon the coroner to hold an inquest. The police officer shall
prepare and submit to the Minister a report on the accident with a diagram thereof, the names and
addresses of all witnesses thereto, and a list of persons arrested or to whom notices to appear were
issued and the charges preferred against them.

§ 9.5. Calling of coroner.

Whenever a traffic accident results in death, it shall be the duty of the police officer who investigates
the accident or, if there is no police officer present, of the operators of each of the vehicles involved
or, if there is no police officer and the operators of the vehicles are physically unable to do so, then
of every occupant of the vehicle involved, to cause the body of the deceased to be taken to the
nearest hospital where a coroner’s inquest shall be held; or, if there is no hospital within a
reasonable distance of the scene of the accident, it shall be the duty of the persons above named to
summon or cause to be summoned to the scene of the accident the local coroner or his
representative, who shall there hold an inquest to determine the cause of the death. A violation of
this section by a person not a police officer is an infraction for which he may be sentenced to pay a
fine of not more than $100.

§ 9.6. Reports by garages and repairs shops.

The owner, or in his absence the manager, of any garage or vehicle repair shop shall immediately
report to the police the license plate number, registration number, and the make and description of
any vehicle brought into his garage or shop which is reported to have been or shows evidence of
having been involved in a traffic accident or struck by a bullet or which has blood stains on it; and he
shall also report the name and address of the person who brought such vehicle to the garage or
shop. For failure to comply with the provisions of this section the owner or manager is subject to a
fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than six months; and in addition to being
sentenced for that offense, his business license may be suspended or revoked.

§ 9.7. Accident reports to be confidential.

All accident reports made by persons involved in accidents or by garage or repair shop owners or
managers shall be without prejudice to the person making the report. Such reports shall be for the
confidential use of the Minister in prosecuting offenses and for statistical purposes. The Minister
may, however, disclose the identity of any person who has made an accident report and cause such
person to testify in a criminal prosecution if the operator or owner of the vehicle denies that it was
involved in such accident or has failed to make any accident report required under the provisions of
this chapter.

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§ 9.8. Accident statistics.
The National Police Force shall publish quarterly statistics on the number of traffic accidents and
traffic fatalities.

Chapter 10. RULES OF THE ROAD

Subchapter A. General Rules.

§ 10.1. Application of chapter to public officers and employees.
§ 10.2. Authorized emergency vehicles.
§ 10.3. Obedience to police officers.
§ 10.4. Reckless driving.
§ 10.5. Operating vehicle in unsafe condition.

Subchapter B. Speed Restrictions.

§ 10.10. Maximum limits.
§ 10.11. Minimum limits.

Subchapter C. Driving to the Right; Overtaking and Passing.

§ 10.20. General rule.
§ 10.21. Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions.
§ 10.22. Overtaking a vehicle on the left.
§ 10.23. Overtaking a vehicle to give warning.
§ 10.24. Limitations on overtaking on the left.
§ 10.25. Further limitations on driving to left of center of highway.
§ 10.26. Passing forbidden under certain conditions.
§ 10.27. When overtaking on the right is permitted.
§ 10.28. Overtaking vehicle obstructing view.
§ 10.29. Towing vehicles to permit passing.
§ 10.30. Motorcades to permit passing.
§ 10.31. One-way highways and rotary traffic islands.
§ 10.32. Divided highways.
§ 10.33. Multiple-lane highways.

Subchapter D. Right of Way.

§ 10.40. Approaching or entering intersections.
§ 10.41. Turning left at intersection.

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§ 10.42. Intersection with through highway.
§ 10.43. Entering stop intersection.
§ 10.44. Entering highway from private road or driveway.
§ 10.45. Yielding to emergency vehicles.

Subchapter E. Turning, Starting, and Stopping.

§ 10.50. Position and method of turning at intersection.
§ 10.51. Limitation on turns.
§ 10.52. Certain U-turns forbidden.
§ 10.53. Starting parked vehicle.
§ 10.54. Signals required before turning.
§ 10.55. Signals required before stopping.
§ 10.56. How signals shall be given.
§ 10.57. Stopping at stop signs.
§ 10.58. Stopping for stopped school bus.
§ 10.59. Stopping at railroad grade crossings; general rule.
§ 10.60. Stopping at railroad grade crossings by special vehicles.

Subchapter F. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Lights.

§ 10.70. Authorization of traffic control signs and signals.
§ 10.71. Interfering with traffic signals forbidden.
§ 10.72. Report of accident which injures signal.
§ 10.73. General standards for traffic control devices.
§ 10.74. Application of lights to pedestrians.
§ 10.75. Application of lights to vehicles.
§ 10.76. Specifications for stop signs.
§ 10.77. Vehicle operators to stop.
§ 10.78. Minister may designate stop intersections.

Subchapter G. Stopping, Standing, and Parking.

§ 10.80. Stopping, standing, or parking outside of business or residence areas.
§ 10.81. Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places.
§ 10.82. Removal of vehicle parked in forbidden place.
§ 10.83. How vehicles shall be parked legally.
§ 10.84. When parked vehicles shall display lights.
§ 10.85. Signals to be displayed by disabled vehicles.

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Subchapter H. Driving under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs.
§ 10.90. Offenses related to use of intoxicating liquor and drugs.
§ 10.91. Presumptions on prosecution for violation.
§ 10.92. Authority to make chemical tests with regard to defendant.
§ 10.93. Method of analysis
§ 10.94. Refusal to submit to test.

Subchapter I. Pedestrian’s Rights and Duties.

§ 10.100. Duties of pedestrians generally.
§ 10.101. Control of traffic in safety zones and crosswalks.
§ 10.102. Pedestrians to use crosswalks.
§ 10.103. Crossing in absence of crosswalk.
§ 10.104. Vehicle operators to exercise due caution.
§ 10.105. Stopping vehicle before sidewalk.
§ 10.106. Pedestrians walking along road.
§ 10.107. Soliciting rides forbidden.
§ 10.108. Penalty.

Subchapter J. Special Vehicles.

§ 10.110 Marking on school buses.
§ 10.111 Regulations governing school buses.
§ 10.112 Riders on motorcycles.
§ 10.113. Connections for towing vehicles.
§ 10.114. White cloth to be displayed on connection.
§ 10.115. Application of title to bicycles.
§ 10.116. Riders on bicycles.
§ 10.117. Limit on bundles carried on bicycle.
§ 10.118. Use of paths and roads by bicycles.
§ 10.119. Bicycle equipment prescribed.
§ 10.120. Attachments to vehicles.
§ 10.121. Responsibility of parents and guardians.

Subchapter K. Preservation of Roads.

§ 10.130. Limitation on kinds of tires.
§ 10.131. Special permission to move certain vehicles.

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§ 10.132. Depositing objects injurious to roadway.
§ 10.133. Preservation of life of road.
§ 10.134. Driving over closed road.
§ 10.135. Penalty for violation of subchapter.

Subchapter L. Miscellaneous Rules.

§ 10.150. Following too closely.
§ 10.151. Backing vehicle.
§ 10.152. Obstruction to driver’s view.
§ 10.153. Opening and closing vehicle doors.
§ 10.154. Driving on mountain highways.
§ 10.155. Coasting forbidden.
§ 10.156. Heavy machinery at railroad grade crossings.
§ 10.157. Following fire apparatus.
§ 10.158. Driving over a fire hose.
§ 10.159. Sound signals.
§ 10.160. Protection of highway users.
§ 10.161. Controlled-access roadways.
§ 10.162. Unauthorized riders.

Subchapter A. GENERAL RULES

§ 10.1. Application of chapter to public officers and employees.

The provisions of this chapter applicable to the drivers of vehicles shall apply to drivers of all vehicles
owned or operated by the Republic of Liberia or any of its political subdivisions or agencies except as
provided in this section and subject to such specific exceptions as are set forth in this chapter with
reference to authorized emergency vehicles. Unless specifically made applicable, the provisions of
this chapter shall not apply to persons, motor vehicles, and other equipment while actually engaged
at work improving or maintaining a highway, nor shall the provisions of paragraph 2 of section 10.81
apply to vehicle operated by public service corporations while actually engaged in work on the
installation or maintenance of public service facilities on or adjacent to a highway but shall apply to
such persons and vehicles when traveling to or from such work.

§ 10.2. Authorized emergency vehicles.

1. Privileges of driver. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an
emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when
responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in this

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section, but subject to the conditions herein stated. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle
may:

(a) Stop, stand, or park irrespective of the provisions of this title;

(b) Proceed past a steady red signal, a flashing red signal, or a stop sign, but only after
slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;
(c) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property;
(d) Disregard regulations governing directions of movement or turning in specified
directions.

2. Warning signals. Except for an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle, the
exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when the driver of
any such vehicle while in motion sounds such audible signal by bell, siren, or exhaust whistle as may
be reasonably necessary, and when the vehicle is equipped with at least one lighted lamp displaying
a red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of
the vehicle.

3. Safe driving required. The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized
emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such
provisions protect the driver from the consequence of his disregard for the safety of others.

§ 10.3. Obedience to police officers.

No person shall fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer or
other persons engaged in the direction of traffic. A person who violates the provisions of this
section shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than six
months, or both.

§ 10.4. Reckless driving.

Any person who operates a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or
property is guilty of reckless driving. A person who violates the provisions of this section shall be
subject to a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

§ 10.5. Operating vehicle in unsafe condition.

No person shall operate, drive, or move, and no owner of a vehicle shall cause or knowingly permit
another person to operate, drive, or move, any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in such
unsafe condition as to endanger any person or property. A person who violates the provisions of
this section shall be subject to a fine of not more than $100.

Subchapter B. SPEED RESTRICTIONS

§ 10.10. Maximum limits.

1. Basic rule. No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent with
the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.

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2. Limits stated. Except when a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with
paragraph 1 of this section, the following limits shall be the maximum lawful speeds and no person
shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed in excess of such maximum limits:
15 miles per hour in a school zone;
25 miles per hour within the limits of any city, municipal district, or commonwealth district;
35 miles per hour in residential districts outside the boundaries of cities, municipal districts,
or commonwealth districts;
45 miles per hour on the open highway (40 miles per hour for motorcycles).

3. Special conditions requiring reduced speed. The driver of every vehicle shall, consistent with the
requirements of paragraph 1 of this section, drive at an appropriate reduced speed when
approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and going
round a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon a narrow or winding roadway,
and when any special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic by reason of weather
or highway conditions.

4. Penalty. A person who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of not more
than $100.

§ 10.11. Minimum limits.

No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable
movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance
with law.

Subchapter C. DRIVING TO THE RIGHT; OVERTAKING AND PASSING

§ 10.20. General Rule.

Vehicles shall be driven on the right half of every road of sufficient width except as follows:

(a) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the
rules governing such movement;
(b) When overtaking or passing pedestrians or obstructions on the right half of the highway;
(c) When the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair;
(d) Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic.

§ 10.21. Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions.

Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and upon
highways having width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction each driver shall give to
the other as nearly as possible at least one-half of the main-traveled portion of the highway.

§ 10.22. Overtaking a vehicle on the left.

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The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same
direction, subject to those limitations and exceptions hereafter stated:

(a) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall
pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the
highway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
(b) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken
vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and
shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

§ 10.23. Overtaking vehicle to give warning.

Every vehicle shall give adequate warning by an audible signal before overtaking and passing
another vehicle traveling in the same direction.

§ 10.24. Limitations on overtaking on the left.

No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the highway in overtaking and passing
another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of
oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be
completed without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite
direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every case the overtaking vehicle shall return to the right side
of the highway before coming within 100 feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite
direction.

§ 10.25. Further limitations on driving to left of center of highway.

No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the highway under the following conditions:

(a) When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver’s
view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle
might approach from the opposite direction;
(b) When approaching within 100 feet of or traversing an intersection or railway grade crossing;
(c) When the view is obstructed upon approaching with 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct, or
tunnel.
The foregoing limitations shall not apply upon a one-way road nor to a vehicle in any lane which is at
the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is
marked to give notice to such allocation.

§ 10.26. Passing forbidden under certain conditions.

1. Passing at crosswalks. No vehicle shall be driven on the left half of the road to pass another
vehicle traveling in the same direction while such other vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or
at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the highway.

2. Markings on roads. The Minister is authorized to determine those portions of every road where
overtaking and passing or driving on the left side of the road is especially hazardous and to indicate
by appropriate signs or markings on such roads the beginning and end of such zones. No driver of a
vehicle shall at any time drive on the left side of the highway within such zones.

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§ 10.27. When overtaking on the right is permitted.
A vehicle may pass to the right of any vehicle traveling in the same direction only when:

(a) The overtaken vehicle is making or about to make a left turn; or

(b) The vehicles are traveling on a one-way street or on any road on which the traffic is
restricted to one-way movement; or
(c) The road is free from obstruction to the right of the vehicle passed and of sufficient width
for two or more lines of moving vehicles to move in the same direction abreast with the
other.

§ 10.28. Overtaking vehicle obstructing view.

If the vehicle being overtaken is so large, wide, or high that the driver who wishes to pass it does not
have a clear view of oncoming traffic, the driver or the operator of the overtaken vehicle shall
motion to the overtaking vehicle when it is safe to pass.

§ 10.29. Towing vehicles to permit passing.

When one vehicle towing another on a highway outside any business or residential community
follows another truck or vehicle towing another vehicle, the towing vehicle to the rear shall,
whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space between it and the towed vehicle ahead so that
an overtaking vehicle may safely pass and enter the space between the towed vehicle in front and
the second towing vehicle. This provision shall not, however, prohibit a vehicle which is towing
another from overtaking and passing another like vehicle or any other vehicle if such passing can be
safely accomplished.

§ 10.30 Motorcades to permit passing.

Motor vehicles which are being driven in a caravan or motorcade on any highway outside a business
or residential district shall be operated with sufficient space between the succeeding vehicles or
combinations of vehicles so that other vehicles may overtake and pass a single vehicle or
combination of vehicles in such caravan or motorcade and safely enter the space between such
overtaken vehicles and the one in front; provided, however, that such requirement shall not apply to
funeral processions.

§ 10.31. One-way highways and rotary traffic islands.

Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic a vehicle shall be driven only in the
direction designated. A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall be driven only to the right
of such island unless otherwise indicated by traffic control devices.

§ 10.32. Divided highways.

Whenever a highway is divided into two roadways by a physical barrier or by a clearly indicated
dividing section constructed so as to impede vehicular traffic or by an intervening space or mall,
every vehicle shall be driven on the right-hand roadway only; and no vehicles shall be driven over,
across, through, or within any such physical barrier or dividing section or space except at a crossover
or intersection established by public authority.

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§ 10:33. Multiple-lane highways.
Whenever any highway has been divided into two or more clearly marked traffic lanes, the following
rules, in addition to all others consistent herewith, shall apply:

(a) A vehicle shall, as far as practicable, be driven entirely within one lane and shall not be
moved into another lane until the operator has ascertained that such movement can be
made with safety.
(b) A vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane of a three-lane highway except when the
driver has ascertained that the center lane is clearly visible and free of traffic and he is
overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or is preparing to
make a left turn or when the center lane is allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the
direction in which the vehicle is proceeding and signs have been posted to give notice of
such allocation.
(c) When official traffic control devices direct slow-moving vehicles, or traffic moving in a
particular direction, to use a designated lane regardless of the center of the highway, drivers
of vehicles shall obey the directions of every signal or direction.

Subchapter D. RIGHT OF WAY

§ 10.40. Approaching or entering intersections.
The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right of way to a vehicle which has
entered the intersection from another highway. When vehicles approach or enter an intersection at
approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right of way to the
operator of the vehicle on his right.

§ 10.41. Turning left at intersection.

The driver of a vehicle within an intersection who intends to turn to the left shall yield the right of
way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so
close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard; but after he has properly signaled his intention
to turn left, all other vehicles approaching the intersection from a greater distance shall yield the
right of way to him.

§ 10.42. Intersection with through highway.

The driver of a vehicle shall stop at the entrance to a through highway and shall yield the right of
way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection or have approached so close as to
constitute an immediate hazard; after having so yielded the right of way, however, the driver of the
vehicle entering the highway may then proceed, and other vehicles approaching the intersection on
the through highway shall yield to the vehicle proceeding into or across the highway.

§ 10.43. Entering stop intersection.

The driver of a vehicle shall stop as required by section 10.57 of this title in obedience to a stop sign
or signal erected at the entrance to an intersection, whether or not the intersecting road is a
through highway, and he shall proceed into the intersection with caution, yielding the right of way to
any vehicle not required to stop which is within the intersection or approaching so closely as to

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constitute an immediate hazard; but other vehicles at a greater distance shall thereafter yield the
right of way to the vehicle which has stopped.

§ 10.44. Entering highway from private road or driveway.

The driver of the vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from a private road or driveway shall
yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching on such highway.

§ 10.45. Yielding to emergency vehicles.

Upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle which exhibits the red light in front and
emits the audible sound signal required by law, the driver of another vehicle shall immediately yield
the right of way and drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or
curb of the highway, clear of any intersection, and shall stop and remain in such position until the
authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except as otherwise directed by a police officer; provided,
however, that this section shall not operate to relieve the operator of any emergency vehicle from
the duty to drive with due care for the safety of all persons using the highway.

Subchapter E. TURNING, STARTING, AND STOPPING

§ 10.50. Position and method of turning at intersection.

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows:

(a) Right turns. The approach for a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the
right-hand edge or curb of the road.
(b) Left turn on two-way roadway. At any intersection where traffic is permitted to move in
both directions on each roadway entering the intersection, an approach for a left turn
shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway which is nearest the center
thereof. The operator shall make the left turn so as to leave the intersection in that
portion of the right half of the roadway which is nearest to the center of the road being
entered. Whenever practicable, the left turn shall be made to the left of the center of
the intersection.
(c) Left turns on other roadways. At any intersection where traffic is restricted to one
direction on one or more roads, the driver of a vehicle who intends to make a left turn
shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane which is lawfully available
to traffic moving in such direction. Upon entering the intersection, the left turn shall be
made so as to leave the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to
traffic moving in the direction of the turning vehicle in the roadway being entered.
(d) Markers and signs at intersections. When markers, buttons, signs, signals, or other
devices are placed within or adjacent to an intersection and thereby require and direct
that a different course from that specified in this section be traveled by vehicles turning
at an intersection, no driver of a vehicle shall turn a vehicle at an intersection other than
as directed and required by such markers, buttons, signs, signals, or other devices.

§ 10.51. Limitation on turns.

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No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move left or right on a roadway unless and
until such turn or movement can be made with safety.

§ 10.52. Certain U-turns forbidden.

No vehicle shall make a U-turn (i.e., turn in an arc of 180 degrees, so as to proceed back in the
opposite direction from which it was traveling) upon any curve or upon the approach to or near the
crest of any grade where such turning vehicle cannot be seen from as least 500 feet by the driver of
a vehicle approaching from either direction.

§ 10.53. Starting parked vehicle.

No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection, into a private road or driveway, or otherwise
without giving the signal prescribed by section 10.56 of this title, if any other traffic will be affected
by the movement. A signal of intention to turn left or right shall be given continuously during not
less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.

§ 10.55. Signals required before stopping.

No driver shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of his vehicle without giving an appropriate
signal as provided in section 10.56 of this title to the driver of the vehicle immediately behind, if
there is an opportunity to give such signal.

§ 10.56. How signals shall be given.

1. By hand and arm or by lamp or mechanical device. Except as otherwise provided by law, any stop
or turn signal prescribed by any of the provisions of this title may be given by means of the hand and
arm or by a signal lamp or lamps or by a mechanical signaling device; provided, however, that when
a vehicle is so constructed or so loaded that a hand and arm signal is not visible to both the front and
rear of the vehicle, then stop or turn signals must be given by a lamp or lamps or by a signaling
device which is visible.

2. Hand and arm signal prescribed. All hand and arm signals shall be given from the left-hand side of
the vehicle. They shall be given in the following manner:

Right turn: hand and arm extended upward with fingers pointing to the right;
Left turn: hand and arm extended horizontally;
Stop: hand and arm extended downward;
Slow: hand and arm extended downward, with hand making up-and-down motion.

§ 10.57. Stopping at stop signs.

Except when directed to proceed by a police officer, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign
shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, then he shall stop before entering the crosswalk
on the near side of the intersection, or in the event there is no crosswalk, at the point nearest the
intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of the approaching traffic on the intersecting
roadway before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the provisions
of section 10.43 of this title.

§ 10.58. Stopping for stopped school bus.

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Every driver shall stop his vehicle upon meeting or overtaking from either direction a school bus
which has stopped on the highway to receive or discharge any school children; and the driver shall
not proceed until the school bus has resumed motion or until the school bus driver has signaled him
to proceed; provided, however, that a driver shall not be required to stop when (a) the school bus is
on a different highway, or (b) when the school bus is on a controlled-access highway and is receiving
or discharging children in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent to such highway, where
pedestrians are forbidden to cross the roadway.

§ 10.59. Stopping a railroad grade crossings; general rule.

1. Stopping required. Every driver of a vehicle approaching a railroad grade crossing shall stop his
vehicle not more than 50 feet nor less than 15 feet from the nearest track of such railroad in any of
the following circumstances:

(a) When a clearly visible electrical or mechanical signal warns of the imminent approach of a
railroad train; or
(b) When a crossing gate is lowered or a flagman signals the approach or passage of a railroad
train; or
(c) When the driver of the vehicle hears a warning signal emitted by a railroad train and
determines that it is an immediate hazard by reason of the speed of its approach or its
proximity to the crossing; or
(d) When an approaching train is plainly visible and within hazardous proximity to such crossing.

The driver shall remain stopped until he can proceed safely. He shall never drive his vehicle through,
around, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad grade crossing while such barrier or gate is
closed or is being opened or closed, nor shall he cross the grade crossing in disregard of any sound,
electrical, or mechanical signal or of a flagman’s signal.

2. Signs at railroad grade crossing. The Minister is authorized to designate and erect stop signs on
highways at particularly dangerous railroad grade crossings. The driver of any vehicle approaching a
railroad grade crossing at which a stop sign has been erected shall stop not more than 50 feet nor
less than 15 feet from the nearest track of the railroad and shall thereafter proceed with due care.

§ 10.60. Stopping at railroad grade crossings by special vehicles.

The driver of any of the following vehicles shall stop at every railroad grade crossing at a distance of
not more than 50 nor less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of such railroad: any motor vehicle
carrying passengers for hire; a school bus carrying any school children; or any vehicle carrying any
explosive or flammable substance or liquid as part of its cargo; provided, however, that such driver
shall not be required to stop if a police officer or traffic control signal directs traffic to proceed.
Upon stopping, the operator shall look in both directions and listen for any approaching train and
shall not proceed until he can do so safely. He shall cross in such gear that there will be no necessity
for shifting gears while traversing the crossing, and he shall not shift gears while crossing any tracks.

Subchapter F. TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND LIGHTS

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§ 10.70. Authorization of traffic control signs and signals.
The Minister shall cause signs, signals, and lights to be placed on the public highways of Liberia both
within and without municipalities to enforce and implement the provisions of this title, as well as to
regulate, warn, or guide the flow of traffic throughout the Republic.

§ 10.71. Interfering with traffic signals forbidden.

No person shall, without official authorization, alter, deface, injure, knock down, overprint, or
remove any official traffic control sign, signal, or light or interfere with any part thereof.

§ 10.72. Report of accident which injures signal.

Any accident which results in the defacing, injury to, destruction or removal of a traffic control sign,
signal, or light shall be reported immediately to the National Police Force by the vehicle operators
involved in the accident.

§ 10.73. General standards for traffic control devices.

All traffic signals, signs, and lights shall be placed along streets, roads, and highways in such a
position that they will be readily noticed by an ordinarily observant person. They shall be sufficiently
legible that they can be distinguished by a person with normal eyesight proceeding according to law
at a sufficient distance to enable the person to comply with their requirements. No unauthorized
person shall place any signs, signals, or lights along or upon any street, road, or highway which
would tend to control the flow of traffic in any shape or form.

§ 10.74. Application of lights to pedestrians.

At any intersection where there is a traffic light in operation, pedestrians are forbidden to cross at
right angles to the line of vehicular traffic while the light is green or amber for the vehicles.
Pedestrians shall cross the intersection against the flow of traffic only when the red light requires a
full stop by the vehicles; but if the light turns amber or green when a pedestrian has already neared
the middle of the intersection, he shall continue to cross to the other side or to a nearer safety zone,
and vehicles shall yield the right of way to him, as provided in section 10.75 of this title.

§ 10.75. Application of lights to vehicles.

1. Red or yellow light. No vehicle shall enter a crossing or intersection when an operating traffic
light facing such vehicle is red or yellow or amber; but if a vehicle is in an intersection when the
facing traffic light becomes red or yellow or amber, it shall proceed through the intersection, and
opposing traffic shall yield the right of way to such vehicles.

2. Green light. If a traffic light turns green for vehicles while a pedestrian is in the center of an
intersection or crossing, the vehicle shall remain standing until such pedestrian has cleared the
crossing or intersection or has reached the nearest safety zone.

3. Flashing red light. When a vehicle approaches a red light flashing intermittently at an intersection
or crossing, it shall come to a full stop before entering the crossing or intersection and check the
opposing traffic or pedestrians before proceeding.

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4. Flashing yellow or amber light. When a vehicle approaches a yellow or amber light flashing
intermittently at an intersection or crossing, it shall reduce speed and proceed with caution.

§ 10.76. Specifications for stop signs.

Every stop sign shall bear the word “STOP” in letters no less than six inches high in a color
contrasting with the color of the rest of the sign; every such sign shall be illuminated at night by a
steady or flashing internal illuminating device or by a fixed floodlight shining on the face of the sign
or by efficient reflecting elements on the face of the sign. Every stop sign shall be erected as close as
practicable to the nearest line of the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection; if there is no
crosswalk, then it shall be erected as close as possible to the nearest line of the intersecting
roadway.

§ 10.77. Vehicle operators to stop.

Except when otherwise directed by a police officer or a special traffic control signal, every driver of a
vehicle approaching a stop sign shall come to a full stop before entering the crosswalk on the near
side of the intersection; or, if there is no crosswalk, he shall stop at the stop line; or, if there is no
stop line either, he shall stop as close as possible to the nearest point of the intersection.

§ 10.78. Minister may designate stop intersections.

The Minister may designate through highways and erect signs or other traffic control devices at
specified entrances thereto. He may also designate stop intersection on other roadways and erect
stop signs or other traffic control devices at one or more entrances to such intersections.

Subchapter G. STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING

§ 10.80. Stopping, standing, or parking outside of business or residence areas.

1. Stopping, standing, or parking forbidden. Upon any highway outside of a business or residence
district no person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended,
upon the paved or main-traveled part of the highway when it is practicable to stop, park, or so leave
such vehicle off such part of said highway, but in every event an unobstructed width of the highway
opposite a standing vehicle shall be left for the free passage of other vehicles and a clear view of
such stopped vehicles shall be available from a distance of 200 feet in each direction upon such
highway.

2. Exception. This section shall not apply to the driver of any vehicle which is disabled while on the
paved or main-traveled portion of a highway in such manner and to such extent that it is impossible
to avoid stopping and temporarily leaving such disabled vehicle in such position.

§ 10.81. Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places.

1. Obstructing traffic or view. It is unlawful for any vehicle operator to park his vehicle on a street or
highway so as to block traffic or on a curve or grade or near an intersection so that the view of
approaching vehicles is obstructed.

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2. Other places forbidden. Except as otherwise required to prevent the obstruction of traffic or to
comply with lawful statutes, it shall be unlawful to stop, stand, or park a vehicle in any of the
following places:

(a) Within an intersection;

(b) Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection;
(c) On any crosswalk;
(d) Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within 30 feet of the points on the curb
immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone (unless the police indicate a different length
by signs or marking);
(e) Within 30 feet on the approach to any flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic control signal
located at the side of a highway;
(f) In front of a public or private driveway;
(g) On a sidewalk;
(h) Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing, or
parking would obstruct traffic;
(i) Between any vehicles stopped, standing, or parked at the edge or curb of a street and the
center of the street;
(j) Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant;
(k) Within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to a fire station on the same side of the street as the
station and, on the opposite side, within 75 feet of such entrance (provided such entrance is
properly posted or marked);
(l) Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railway grade crossing;
(m) Upon a bridge or elevated structure on a highway or within a tunnel;
(n) Where traffic signs or markers prohibit stopping, standing, or parking;
(o) In any traffic lane of a street inside a business or residential area (even if the vehicle is
parked there for repairs).

3. Moving vehicle not lawfully under person’s control. No person shall move a vehicle not lawfully
under his control into any area prohibited by this section or away from the curb such distance as is
unlawful.

4. Posting of signs by Minister. The Minister may post signs prohibiting or restricting stopping,
standing, or parking of vehicles at any place on the public highway where it is deemed that stopping,
standing, or parking would unduly interfere with the free movement of traffic.

§ 10.82. Removal of vehicle parked in forbidden place.

Any police officer who finds a vehicle parked or standing where it constitutes an obstruction to
traffic or where stopping, standing, or parking is prohibited may move such vehicle, or require the
driver or other person in charge of the vehicle to move the same to a position off the paved road or
main-traveled part of such highway. If the vehicle is unattended and there is no nearby place
available to park the vehicle, the police officer may cause its removal to a garage, automobile pound,
or other place of safety. The owner or other person lawfully entitled to the possession of such
vehicle may be charged with a reasonable cost for removal and storage, payable before the vehicle is
released.

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§ 10.83. How vehicles shall be parked legally.
1. Parallel to curb. In business and residential areas vehicles shall be parked facing in the direction
of the flow of traffic with the wheels on the right side parallel to and no more than 12 inches from
the curb or, where there is no curb, from the edge of the road or abutting sidewalk.

2. Angle parking. Angle parking shall not be permitted unless the Minister has determined that the
roadway is sufficiently wide to permit such parking without obstructing the free movement of traffic
and has so posted the areas where it is permitted.

3. Precautions to be observed on parking vehicle. The driver or person in charge of a motor vehicle
shall park and leave such vehicle unattended only if the engine has been stopped, the ignition has
been locked and the key removed therefrom, the brake has been set, and, if the vehicle is on a
grade, the front wheel has been turned toward the curb or edge of the highway.

§ 10.84. When parked vehicles shall display lights.

1. When no lights are necessary. When a vehicle is parked on a street or highway during the hours
between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise and there is sufficient light to
reveal any person or object on such road within a distance of 500 feet, no lights need be displayed
by the parked vehicle.

2. When lights are necessary. When a vehicle, whether or not attended, is parked on or alongside a
road during the hours between a half hour after sunset and a half hour before sunrise and there is
not sufficient light to reveal any person or object on the road within a distance of 500 feet, such
parked car shall exhibit a white light on the left-hand side (that is, the side toward the center of the
road) of the rear, which light shall be visible for a distance of 500 feet to the rear. Any lighted head
lamps on a parked vehicle shall be depressed or dimmed.

§ 10.85. Signals to be displayed by disabled vehicles.

1. Fuses or lanterns. Whenever any motor vehicle (including a trailer of any kind) other than a
passenger automobile is disabled on the traveled portion of any highway outside the business or
residential area of any municipality or on the shoulder thereof, the driver of such vehicle shall
display the warning devices specified in this paragraph at all times when lighted lamps are required,
under the provisions of section 6.30 of this title. When the vehicle becomes disabled, the driver
shall immediately place a lighted fuse or triangular reflector on the side of the vehicle which is
closest to passing traffic; provided, however, that an electric lantern may be used in lieu thereof, and
shall be used in the case of disabled vehicles subject to the provisions of paragraph 2. Before the
fuse burns out, and as quickly as possible in any case, the driver shall place three lighted flares (pot
torches) or three electric lanterns on the roadways as follows: one approximately 100 feet ahead of
the vehicle; one approximately 100 feet behind the vehicle; and one on the side of the vehicle
closest to passing traffic, about 10 feet in front of the vehicle if traffic in the closest lane approaches
it from the front, and about 10 feet to the rear if traffic in the closest lane approaches it from the
rear. In the alternative, in lieu of flares or lanterns, three portable reflector units on standards,
which units are of a type approved by the Minister, may be displayed at the place, in the manner,
and under the conditions specified for lighted flares.

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2. Vehicle transporting flammable liquids or gases. When a vehicle used in the transportation of, or
transporting flammable liquids in bulk or compressed flammable gases is disabled on any road or the
shoulder thereof, the operator of the vehicle shall immediately display on the highway the following
warning devices: one red electric lantern on the side of the vehicle closest to passing traffic; one red
electric lantern approximately 100 feet in front of the disabled vehicle; one red electric lantern
approximately 100 feet to the rear of the vehicle. The use of any fuse, flare, or other signal
produced by flame is absolutely forbidden when a vehicle of the type described in this paragraph is
disabled.

3. Types of flares, fuses, or lanterns. All flares, fuses, and lanterns required to be displayed by this
section shall meet the specifications established by the relevant sections of chapter 6 of this title.

4. Red flags. At all times where lighted lamps are not required, the driver of the vehicle of the type
referred to in paragraph 1 which is disabled upon the traveled portion of a highway or the shoulder
thereof outside of any municipality shall display two red flags on the road in the lane occupied by
the disabled vehicle or nearest to the shoulder which is occupies, one flag about 100 feet in front of
the vehicle and the other about 100 feet to the rear. In the alternative, the driver may display three
portable reflectors in the place and manner and under the conditions specified in paragraph 1.

Subchapter H. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR

DRUGS

§ 10.90. Offenses related to use of intoxicating liquor and drugs.

1. Driving while under influence of liquor or narcotic drugs. It is unlawful for any person to operate a
motor vehicle while his ability to operate such vehicle is impaired by the consumption or use of
alcohol or a narcotic drug, as such drugs are defined in the Narcotic Drug Control Act.

2. Habitual use of narcotic drugs. It is unlawful for any person who is an habitual user of narcotic
drugs to operate a motor vehicle.

3. Driving while under influence of drug not narcotic. It is unlawful for any person to operate a
motor vehicle who is under the influence of any drug not a narcotic to a degree which renders him
dizzy or incapable of driving safely.

4. Right to use drug not a defense. That a person is or has been entitled to use a drug under the
laws of the Republic does not constitute a defense against any charge against him under this section
in which the use of such drug or driving while under its influence is an element.

5. Penalty. A person who violates the provisions of this section is subject to a fine of not more than
$1,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year.

§ 10.91. Presumptions on prosecution for violation.

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In a criminal prosecution for operating a motor vehicle while his ability to operate such vehicle is
impaired by the consumption of alcohol, the amount of alcohol in the defendant’s blood at the time
alleged, as shown by chemical analysis of the defendant’s blood, urine, breath, or other bodily
substance, shall give rise to the following presumptions:

(a) If there was at the time alleged 0.05 percent or less by weight of alcohol in the defendant’s
blood, urine, breath, or other bodily substance, it shall be presumed that the defendant’s
ability to operate such vehicle was not impaired by the consumption of alcohol;
(b) If there was at the time alleged more than 0.05 percent but less than 0.15 percent by weight
of alcohol in the defendant’s blood, urine, breath, or other bodily substance, such fact shall
not give rise to any presumption that the defendant’s ability operate a motor vehicle was or
was not impaired by the consumption of alcohol, but such fact may be considered with
other competent evidence in determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant;
(c) If there was at the time alleged 0.15 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the defendant’s
blood, urine, breath, or other bodily substance, it shall be presumed that the defendant’s
ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by the consumption of alcohol.

The foregoing provisions of this section shall not be construed as requiring that evidence of the
amount of alcohol in the defendant’s blood must be presented, nor shall they be construed as
limiting the introduction of any other competent evidence bearing upon the question whether or
not the defendant’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by the consumption of alcohol.

§ 10.92. Authority to make chemical tests with regard to defendant.

1. Operating vehicle as consent. Any person who operates a motor vehicle on any public road,
street, or highway or on any privately owned or controlled roads open to public use, shall be
deemed to have given his consent to the taking of samples of his breath, urine, or blood, or any or
all, for the purpose of making chemical tests to determine the content of alcohol in his blood;
provided that the taking of samples is made in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter and
at the request of a police officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that such person has been
operating a motor vehicle in violation of the provisions of paragraph 1 of section 10.90 of this title
while his ability to operate such vehicle was impaired by the consumption or use of alcohol.

2. Record of test. A record of the taking of any such sample, disclosing the date and time thereof, as
well as the result of any chemical test, shall be made and a copy thereof, upon his request, shall be
furnished or made available to the person so tested.

3. Independent tests. In addition to the samples taken and tests made at the direction of a police
officer under the provisions of this section, the person tested may have such samples taken and
chemical test of his breath, urine, or blood made by a physician or other person of his own selection.

4. Information to be given person tested. The police officer shall inform the person tested of his
rights under paragraphs 2 and 3 of this section.

5. Forcible test prohibited. No chemical test, as provided in this section, or specimen necessary
thereto, may be made or taken forcibly and against physical resistance thereto by the defendant.

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§ 10.93. Method of analysis.
Chemical analysis of the arrested person’s breath, to be considered valid under the provisions of this
subchapter, shall have been performed according to methods approved by the Minister, and by a
person approved and certified for this purpose by the Minister.

§ 10.94. Refusal to submit to test.

If an operator of a motor vehicle, after being arrested for a violation of paragraph 1 of section 10.90
of this title, refuses to submit to the chemical test provided for in section 10.91 of this title when
requested to do so, the arresting officer shall cause to be delivered to the Minister his sworn report
of such refusal in which report he shall specify the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the
grounds upon which his belief was based that the person was operating a motor vehicle in violation
of paragraph 1 of section 10.90 of this title. Upon receipt of such report, if the Minister finds that
the arresting officer acted in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter, he shall, upon
written notice, suspend the operator’s license of such person, or if such person is a nonresident, the
privilege to operate a motor vehicle within Liberia, unless such person, within 10 days of the date of
such notice shall have requested, in writing, a hearing before the Minister. Upon such request, the
Minister or his delegate shall hold a hearing on the issues of whether the arresting officer had
reasonable grounds to believe the person was at the time of the arrest operating a motor vehicle in
violation of paragraph 1 of section 10.90 of this title while his ability to operate such vehicle was
impaired by the consumption or use of alcohol, and whether he refused to submit to the test upon
the request of the officer. If no such hearing is requested within the time allowed, or if after a
hearing the Minister or his delegate finds against the person on such issues, he shall revoke the
license of such person to operate motor vehicles or, if the person is a nonresident, his privilege to
operate a motor vehicle within Liberia, for a period of one year from the date of the determination,
or if such person is a resident without an operator’s license, the Minister shall deny to such person
the issuance of any such license within one year from the date of the determination. Such
revocation shall be independent of any revocation imposed by virtue of a conviction under the
provisions of section 2.6(b) of this title.

Subchapter I. PEDESTRIAN’S RIGHTS AND DUTIES

§ 10.100. Duties of pedestrians generally.

Every pedestrian shall obey the traffic signs, signals, and lights of intersections, as provided in
subchapter F of this chapter, unless otherwise directed by a traffic officer on duty at an intersection.
Before crossing a highway or entering an intersection, a pedestrian shall first ascertain the proximity
of approaching vehicles. In the absence of any traffic control device or traffic control device or
traffic officer, every pedestrian shall comply with the provisions of this subchapter and with other
provisions of this title relating to pedestrians.

§ 10.101. Control of traffic in safety zones and crosswalks.

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1. Establishment of safety zones and crosswalks. The Minister shall cause to be established safety
zones and crosswalks at intersections in all municipalities and at pedestrian crossings on the public
highways.

2. Stopping of vehicles forbidden. No vehicle shall stop in a safety zone or crosswalk established in
accordance with the provisions of this section.

3. Pedestrian’s right of way in crosswalk. When traffic control signs, signals, or lights are not in
place or not operating, every vehicle driver shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if
necessary, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the
half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so
closely from the other half of the roadway as to be in danger; provided, however, that no pedestrian
shall suddenly leave a curb or safety zone or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a
vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.

4. Walking to right. Pedestrians shall walk, whenever practicable, upon the right half of a crosswalk.

§ 10.102. Pedestrians to use crosswalks.

Every pedestrian shall strictly comply with the directions of any sign or other official traffic control
signal that prohibits pedestrians from crossing any street in a business district or any designated
highway except at a crosswalk. No pedestrian shall cross a roadway between adjacent intersections
at which traffic control signals or lights are in operation except in a marked crosswalk.

§ 10.103. Crossing in absence of crosswalk.

Every pedestrian who crosses a highway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or who
crosses an intersection within an unmarked crosswalk shall yield the right of way to all vehicles on
the roadway. Whenever a pedestrian crosses a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or
overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided, he shall yield the right of way to all vehicles on the
roadway.

§ 10.104. Vehicle operators to exercise due caution.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this subchapter requiring a pedestrian under certain
circumstances to yield the right of way to a vehicle, every vehicle operator shall exercise due care to
avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway, and he shall give proper warning by sounding
his horn when necessary. He shall exercise extra precautions upon observing any child or any
confused or incapacitated person upon a highway.

§ 10.105. Stopping vehicle before sidewalk.

The driver of a vehicle emerging from an alley, driveway, or building within a business or residential
district shall stop his vehicle immediately before driving onto the sidewalk or sidewalk area
extending across such driveway, alley, or building entrance and shall yield the right of way to any
pedestrian on or entering such sidewalk or sidewalk area.

§ 10.106. Pedestrians walking along road.

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When sidewalks are provided, it shall be unlawful for any pedestrian to walk on or along or adjacent
to any highway rather than on the sidewalk. When sidewalks are not provided, every pedestrian
shall, whenever practicable, walk on the outside left edge of the highway or its shoulder, facing
oncoming traffic, if he finds it necessary to go along the highway.

§ 10.107. Soliciting rides forbidden.

No person shall stand on any roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride from the driver of any
vehicle.

§ 10.108. Penalty.
A pedestrian who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a fine of $5.

Subchapter J. SPECIAL VEHICLES

§ 10.110. Marking on school buses.

Every bus used for the transportation of school children shall bear upon the front and rear thereof a
plainly visible sign with letters not less than eight inches high reading “School Bus.” When such a
bus is being operated for any purpose other than the actual transportation of school children on any
highway to which the provisions of this title are applicable, all markings thereon indicating that it is a
school bus shall be covered or otherwise concealed.

§ 10.111. Regulations governing school buses.

1. Promulgation. The Minister shall promulgate and enforce regulations not inconsistent with the
provisions of this title to govern the design and operation of all school buses, whether owned and
operated by any agency of the government or by private individuals under contract with any agency
of the government or by private individuals under contract with any school authority in the Republic.
Such regulations shall by reference be made a part of any school bus contract between any private
owner or operator and any school authority. School authorities, their officers and employees, and
their agents shall be subject to such regulations.

2. Effect of violation. Any officer, employee, or agent of any school authority who violates any of
such regulations shall be guilty of official misconduct and subject to removal from office or
employment. A violation of such regulations by any person owning or operating a school bus under
contract with a school authority shall constitute a breach of his contract, and such contract shall be
cancelled after notice and hearing by the responsible officers of the school authority.

§ 10.112. Riders on motorcycles.

A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached
thereto. The operator shall not carry another person, nor shall any other person ride on a
motorcycle, unless it is designed to carry more than one person; in this case the passenger may ride
upon the permanent and regular seat, if it is designed for two persons, or upon another seat firmly
attached behind or beside the operator.

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§ 10.113. Connections for towing vehicles.
When one vehicle is towing another, the drawbar or other connection shall have sufficient strength
to pull all the weight towed thereby. Such drawbar or other connection shall not exceed 15 feet
from one vehicle to the other; provided, however, that the restriction as to length shall not apply to
the connection between two vehicles transporting poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects of
structural nature which cannot readily be dismembered.

§ 10.114. White cloth to be displayed on connection.

When one vehicle is towing another by a connection consisting of a chain, rope, or cable, there shall
be displayed on such connection a white flag or cloth not less than 12 inches square.

§ 10.115. Application of title to bicycles.

Except as otherwise specifically provided by this subchapter, the provisions of this title shall apply to
persons riding bicycles to the extent that they can be reasonably applied. Except as otherwise
expressly provided, the provisions of this subchapter shall apply to bicycles which are operated on
any highways to which this title is applicable or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of
bicycles.

§ 10.116. Riders on bicycles.

1. Seats for riders. Every person who propels a bicycle shall ride upon or astride a permanent and
regular seat attached thereto and shall not sit upon any other part of the bicycle.

2. Limit on number of persons. No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the
number for which it is designed and equipped.

§ 10.117. Limit on bundles carried on bicycle.

No person who is riding a bicycle shall carry a package, bundle, or article which prevents the rider
from keeping at least one hand on the handlebar.

§ 10.118. Use of paths and roads by bicycles.

1. Bicycle path to be used. Whenever a usable path has been provided for bicycles adjacent to a
road, bicycle riders shall use the path and shall not use the roadway.

2. Riding near curb on road. Every person who operates a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near
as possible to the right-hand curb, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one
proceeding in the same direction.

3. Riding abreast. Persons riding bicycles shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or
parts of highways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

§ 10.119. Bicycle equipment prescribed.

1. Lamps and lighting devices. It shall be unlawful to use a bicycle at night which is not equipped
with (a) a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible for a distance of at least 500 feet
ahead; and (b) a red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the Minister which shall be visible at
a distance of from 50 to 300 feet to the rear when the lawful upon beams of a motor vehicle’s head

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lamps shine upon it. At the discretion of the rider a bicycle may also be equipped with a lamp
emitting a red light visible 500 feet to the rear, in addition to the required reflector.

2. Sound signaling devices. Every bicycle shall be equipped with a bell, horn, or other device capable
of giving a signal audible from a distance of at least 100 feet; provided, however, that no bicycle shall
be equipped with, nor shall any person use upon any bicycle, any siren or whistle.

3. Brakes. Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which will enable the rider to make the
braked wheel stop short on dry, level, clean pavement.

§ 10.120. Attachments to vehicles.

No person on any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, or toy vehicle shall attach it or himself to any vehicle
upon a roadway.

§ 10.121. Responsibility of parents and guardians.

No parent of any child or guardian of any ward shall authorize or knowingly permit such child or
ward to violate any of the provisions of this subchapter.

Subchapter K. PRESERVATION OF ROADS

§ 10.130. Limitation on kinds of tires.

No person shall operate, drive, or move on any highway to which this title is applicable any motor
vehicle or trailer of any kind whatever which has a metal tire in contact with the roadway. No tire of
any vehicle being operated, driven, or moved on any highway to which this title is applicable shall
have on its periphery any block, stud, flange, cleat, or spike or any other protuberance of any
material other than rubber which projects beyond the thread of the traction surface of the tire;
provided, however, that it is permissible to move farm machinery on the highways if such machinery
has protuberances which will not injure the highway; and provided further that it is permissible to
use tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of mud
or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid.

§ 10.131. Special permission to move certain vehicles.

The Minister may in his discretion issue special permits authorizing the operation or moving upon a
highway to which this title is applicable of traction engines or tractors having movable tracks with
transverse corrugations upon the periphery of such tracks or of farm tractors or other farm
machinery, the operation or moving of which on such highways would otherwise be illegal.

§ 10.132. Depositing objects injurious to roadway.

No person shall throw or deposit on any highway to which this title is applicable or on the shoulder
thereof anything or substance of any sort which is injurious to the road. Any person who deposits or
throws or permits to be deposited or thrown any such thing or substance on such highway or
shoulder thereof shall immediately remove it or cause it to be removed.

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§ 10.133. Preservation of life of road.
No person shall dig up, excavate, obstruct, place any earth upon, or build a fence upon, any portion
of a highway to which this title is applicable, or any public sidewalk, or cause any such act to be
committed without legal authorization therefor. Each day that a violation of this section continues
shall be considered a separate offense.

§ 10.134. Driving over closed road.

No vehicle shall pass over any road which is closed to traffic for construction or repair. A suitable
sign and barricade shall be considered sufficient notice that a road is closes.

§ 10.35. Penalty for violation of subchapter.

A person guilty of a violation of this subchapter is subject to a fine of not more than $100.

Subchapter L. MISCELLANEOUS RULES

§ 10.150. Following too closely.

The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and
prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and the condition of
the highway, and he shall at all times have his vehicle under such control that he can safely stop it in
case of a sudden decrease in speed or stop by any vehicle which he is following.

§ 10.151. Backing vehicle.

The driver of a vehicle shall not back such vehicle unless such operation can be made with
reasonable safety and without interfering with other traffic.

§ 10.152. Obstruction to driver’s view.

No person shall operate any vehicle when it is so loaded or when there are in the front seat such
number of persons as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to
interfere with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle. In no event shall there
be more than three persons in the front seat of any vehicle. In no event shall there be more than
three persons in the front seat of any vehicle. No passenger shall ride in such a position in a vehicle
that he obstructs the operator’s view to the front or side or interferes with his control of the
vehicle’s driving mechanism.

§ 10.153. Opening and closing vehicle doors.

No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is
reasonably safe to do so, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to
moving traffic for a period of longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

§ 10.154. Driving on mountain highways.

The driver of a motor vehicle traveling through defiles or canyons or on mountain highways shall
hold such motor vehicle under control as near the right-hand edge of the highway as reasonably

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possible. On approaching any curve where the view is obstructed within a distance of 200 feet along
the highway, the driver shall give audible warning with horn of the motor vehicle.

§ 10.155. Coasting forbidden.

The driver of any vehicle shall not coast down any grade with the gears of such vehicle in neutral.
The driver of a commercial vehicle shall not coast down any grade with the clutch disengaged.

§ 10.156. Heavy machinery at railroad grade crossings.

1. Limitations on moving certain types of vehicles across railroad tracks. It shall be unlawful, except
upon compliance with the provisions of subparagraphs 2 and 3 of this section, to move upon or
across any tracks at any railroad grade crossing any crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick,
roller, or any equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of 10 or fewer miles per hour
or a vertical body or load clearance of less than one-half inch per foot of the distance between any
two adjacent axles or in any event of less than nine inches measured above the level surface of a
roadway.

2. Notice of intended crossing. Notice of any such intended crossing shall be given to the
supervising agent of such railroad a reasonable time in advance so that the railroad may have an
opportunity to provide proper protection at such crossing.

3. Stopping before crossing. Before making any such crossing the operator of such vehicle or
equipment shall stop same not less than 15 nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail of such
railroad and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along such tracks for any
approaching train or signal indicating the approach of a train. He shall proceed only if the crossing
can be made safely; he shall not proceed when warning is given by automatic signal, crossing gate,
flagman, or otherwise of the immediate approach of a train. When there is a flagman at the crossing
the operator of the vehicle or equipment shall proceed under his direction.

§ 10.157. Following fire apparatus.

No operator of any vehicle, except a person on official business in connection therewith, shall follow
closer than 500 feet behind any fire apparatus proceeding in response to a fire alarm or park within
one block of the place where the fire apparatus has stopped in response to a fire alarm.

§ 10.158. Driving over a fire hose.

No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a fire department when laid down on any
street or private driveway to be used at any fire or in connection with a fire alarm unless permission
has been granted by the fire department’s official in command.

§ 10.159. Sound signals.

The operator of a motor vehicle shall give audible warning by means of his vehicle horn when such
warning is necessary to ensure the safety of himself or others; but use of the horn is forbidden
except as herein prescribed.

§ 10.160. Protection of highway users.

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1. Throwing things on highways. No person shall throw or deposit or drop on any public highway
any bottles, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans, or any other thing or substance which is likely to injure any
person, animal, or vehicle upon the highway. Any person who throws, deposits, or drops, permits to
be thrown, deposited, or dropped upon any public highway any destructive or injurious thing or
substance (including but not limited to, anything listed above) shall immediately remove same or
cause it to be removed.

2. Scattering of load. No vehicle shall be so used or so loaded as to permit its load to be scattered
over the road in such a way as to obstruct traffic or damage the road. In no case shall refuse,
garbage, or vegetable matter be scattered over the road.

3. Requirements on removing wrecked vehicle. Any person who removes a wrecked or damaged
vehicle from a public highway shall remove all glass and other injurious substances deposited on the
highway from such vehicle.

4. Unattended animals. No domestic animal or beast of burden or draft animal shall be allowed to
run loose and unattended upon the public highway.

5. Obstruction of roads. No person shall block or obstruct any road by placing thereon any farm
implement or other machinery or obstruction except when such road is legally closed for repair or
construction or when legal authorization is obtained for proper reasons.

6. Penalty for violation of section. A person guilty of violating this section is subject to a fine of not
more than $100.

§ 10.161. Controlled-access roadways.

1. Entrances and exits. No person shall drive any vehicle onto or off from any controlled-access
roadway except at such entrances and exits as are established by the Minister.

2. Limitations on use. Use of controlled-access roadways may be prohibited to pedestrians, bicycles,

or other non-motorized traffic and also to motorcycles. Signs shall be erected and maintained on
such roadways giving notice of any such limitation on their use.

§ 10.162. Unauthorized riders.

No person shall ride on any vehicle without the consent of the driver.

Chapter 11. ADMINISTRATION

§ 11.1. Motor Vehicle Bureau; Director.

The Motor Vehicle Bureau in the Ministry of Justice shall be the chief administrative agency
overseeing the enforcement of the provisions of this title. The head of the Bureau shall be the
Director of Motor Vehicles, who shall be appointed as provided in the Executive Law. He shall be

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assisted by a Deputy Director and as many officers and employees as are necessary for the effective
operation of the Bureau.

Chapter 12. VIOLATIONS: TRAFFIC TICKETS

Subchapter A. Traffic Infractions

§ 12.1. Traffic infractions defined; general procedure applicable to prosecution.
§ 12.2. Penalty for traffic infraction.
§ 12.3. Previous violations as infractions.
§ 12.4. Service of notice to appear for parking violation.

Subchapter B. Traffic Tickets

§ 12.50. Authorization to Minister.
§ 12.51. Serial numbers on tickets; quadruplicate copies.
§ 12.52. Report by printer of traffic tickets.
§ 12.53. Responsibility of Director of National Police Force and police officers.
§ 12.54. Procedure for court.
§ 12.55. Report by Director to Minister.

Subchapter A. TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS

§ 12.1. Traffic infractions defined; general procedure applicable to prosecution.

A violation of any provision of this title or any law, ordinance, or regulation regulating traffic which is
not a felony or misdemeanor as defined in the Penal Law is a traffic infraction. A traffic infraction is
not a crime and the punishment imposed therefor shall not affect or impair the credibility as a
witness or otherwise of any person convicted thereof. A traffic infraction is, however, an offense
within the meaning of that term as used in the Criminal Procedure Law, and the procedure provided
by that title for prosecution of misdemeanors shall be applicable to the prosecution of traffic
infractions, except that (a) no jury trial shall be accorded the defendant; and (b) a notice to appear in
the case of a parking violation may be served as provided in section 12.4 of this title.

§ 12.2. Penalty for traffic infraction.

A traffic infraction for which no other penalty is prescribed by this title or by other law shall subject
the offender to a fine of not more than $25.

§ 12.3. Previous violations as infractions.

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All violations which were committed prior to the effective date of this title and which would, if
committed subsequent to the taking effect of this title, be included within the meaning of the term
“traffic infraction” as herein defined, shall be deemed traffic infractions to which the provisions of
this chapter are fully applicable; provided that in no case shall the penalty prescribed for any offense
heretofore committed be increased through the application of this section.

§ 12.4. Service of notice to appear for parking violation.

In the case of a violation of a provision regulating the parking of a motor vehicle, a notice to appear
in the form of a traffic ticket or otherwise may be attached by the person issuing the notice in a
conspicuous position on such vehicle parked in a violation of law, and, if so attached, shall be
deemed a valid service on the owner of the vehicle to appear and plead or otherwise answer the
charge; provided that service of a notice to appear in the manner herein prescribed shall not
constitute valid notice to an owner of a vehicle which was being used at the time of the violation
without his consent, express or implied.

Subchapter B. TRAFFIC TICKETS

§ 12.50. Authorization to Minister.

The Minister is hereby authorized to put into effect a system by which a notice to appear, as
provided for in the Criminal Procedure Law, may be required, in the case of a person alleged to have
committed a traffic infraction, to be in the form of a traffic ticket issued in accordance with the
provisions of this subchapter and regulations promulgated by the Minister thereunder.

§ 12.51. Serial number on tickets; quadruplicate copies.

There shall be conspicuously printed on each ticket a serial number which shall not be used on any
other ticket printed within two years thereafter. The serial numbers printed on the tickets shall run
in consecutive order. A number of tickets may be bound in a book for issuance to members of the
National Police Force. Each ticket shall be printed in quadruplicate.

§ 12.52. Report by printer of traffic tickets.

Any printer who supplies traffic tickets to the Minister shall make a report to him within five days
after shipment, stating that he has sent a shipment of tickets, the date of the shipment, the first and
last serial numbers of the tickets shipped, and the serial number of any missing tickets.

§ 12.53. Responsibility of Director of National Police Force and police officers.

The Director of the National Police Force, hereinafter referred to in this chapter as the “Director,”
shall issue books containing traffic tickets to the police officers assigned to traffic duty, and shall
require and retain a receipt for each book, showing the serial numbers of the tickets in the book.
Each police officer to whom a book of tickets is assigned shall be responsible for all the tickets he
receives; and for every ticket issued to an alleged traffic offender, he shall return a duplicate to the
Director and the triplicate and quadruplicate to the court where the alleged offender has been
notified to appear. If a ticket is spoiled or if it is marked but not issued, the police officer to whom it

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was assigned shall return the original and copies to the Director. A police officer who loses a ticket
shall file with the Director a complete report concerning the loss of the ticket.

§ 12.54. Procedure for court.

On disposing of a matter involving a traffic infraction for which a traffic ticket has been issued, the
traffic court shall indicate the disposition on the two copies of the traffic ticket which it has received
from the police officer, and shall send them to the Minister who shall file one copy with the copy of
the same ticket filed by the police officer who issued the original. The amount of fine paid or of bail
forfeited shall be clearly stated in each case.

§ 12.55. Report by Director to Minister.

At the expiration of one month from the end of each calendar quarter, the Director shall prepare for
the Minister on a form prescribed by him for that purpose, a summary report as to the status at that
time of all traffic tickets issued by police officers during the calendar quarter, such report to contain
information as to:

(a) Tickets assigned;

(b) Tickets issued by police officers;
(c) Tickets still pending;
(d) Void, mutilated, destroyed, or lost tickets.

Such report shall also indicate the total number of tickets reported indisposed of in the reports for
previous calendar quarters and of which disposition has not yet been made.

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