Since Sunday, September 20, 2026, law enforcement units have been conducting a large-scale crackdown on drivers and motorcyclists violating the highway code. More than one hundred two-wheeled riders and about ten motorists were arrested and fined during the first two days of the operation at various strategic points across the country.

The operation intensified sharply on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in Cotonou, Benin’s economic hub. In the Fidjrossè area alone, over forty motorcyclists were intercepted within a single hour, while numerous drivers were apprehended on the Marina Boulevard.

Offenders face a strict penalty schedule: using a phone while driving or riding carries a fine of 20,000 CFA francs, overloading results in a 10,000 CFA franc penalty, driving the wrong way costs 6,000 CFA francs, and failure to wear a protective helmet is fined 5,000 CFA francs.

Patrols are also rigorously monitoring compliance with traffic lights. Any red-light violation exposes the offender to regulatory sanctions provided by law.

Coordinated deployment across major urban centers

Far from being limited to the economic capital, this security clampdown covers all urban hubs in Benin. Police detachments are actively deployed at intersections and main roads in Abomey-Calavi, Porto-Novo, Sèmè-Podji, Ouidah, Bohicon, and Parakou.

The stated goal of the police command is to eradicate risky behaviors, preserve human lives, and restore lasting collective discipline on the national road network.