A Coke and a Smile
Driving in a new country always comes with a learning curve, but driving around Zambia has been an experience unlike any other.
There’s something about seeing a police checkpoint up ahead that instantly tightens your grip on the steering wheel. Even when you’re doing everything right, there’s that flicker of uncertainty, did I miss a sign? Was that actually a four-way stop? Am I in the correct lane? A fair bit of second-guessing seems to come standard with driving here.
Because the truth is, the rules don’t always feel entirely clear. Some intersections behave like four-way stops, others don’t. Traffic circles can feel more like a test of instinct than adherence to any obvious system. Road signs are there… sometimes. And even when they are, they don’t always tell the full story. Add in a steady flow of pedestrians, bicycles and taxis with their own agendas, you quickly realise this isn’t a place for rigid expectations.
For me, there’s been an added layer: a foreign-plated vehicle and often driving solo. It doesn’t go unnoticed. I’ve been pulled over more times than I can count… sometimes for legitimate checks, sometimes less clear.
And so, you develop a bit of a personal playbook.
First and foremost: be polite. Always. A calm, friendly approach goes a long way. There’s no benefit in being defensive or confrontational, even when you feel you’re in the right.
Secondly, know your rights. Have a clear understanding of what constitutes an actual offence and what doesn’t. It gives you a quiet confidence in the conversation, and helps you navigate those moments where things feel a little ambiguous.
But perhaps most importantly, accept that it can be intimidating and that’s okay. It’s a very human reaction.
So yes, be informed. Know the process. Stand your ground where it matters.
But also, read the moment. Because sometimes, if all else fails, a Coke and a smile go a long way.
Good to know
Are you actually supposed to pay cash on the spot?
Short answer: No. At least, not anymore.
Zambia has been moving toward a cashless system when it comes to traffic fines. In theory , if you’ve committed an offence, the process is quite structured. You should be issued with a Notice of Admission of Guilt essentially a formal ticket and that’s what you use to settle the fine.
Payment isn’t meant to happen at the roadside. Instead, you take that ticket and pay through official channels: a bank or an RTSA service centre. It’s a system designed to be traceable, transparent, and importantly to take cash out of the equation.
So what about receipts?
If an officer insists that a fine must be paid immediately, they should be using an electronic system. Zambia has introduced smart enforcement tools, which means they can generate a digital notification or a printed receipt from a handheld device.
And that ticket you’re handed?
That “pink” or “yellow” slip isn’t proof of payment, it’s a legal document. By accepting it, you’re acknowledging the offence and agreeing to pay the fine within a specified period (usually about seven days). It gives you the space to deal with it properly, rather than feeling pressured in the moment.
If something feels off, it’s completely within your rights to say you’d prefer to settle the matter at a police station or an RTSA office.
And knowing that? It takes just a little bit of the fear out of those flashing lights in your rearview mirror.
