Traffic fines in Tanzania are issued by the Tanzania Police Force and recorded on the Traffic Management System (TMS). Many drivers have unpaid fines they don't know about — until they're stopped at a checkpoint. Here's how to check, and how to make sure you're never caught off guard again.
Let GariWatch check automatically
Instead of checking manually, GariWatch monitors your vehicle on TMS every 6 hours and sends you an instant alert the moment a new fine appears. Start free — no payment needed.
Start Free 7-Day Trial →Why You Might Have Unpaid Traffic Fines
Traffic fines in Tanzania can be issued at the scene by a traffic officer, or recorded remotely via police reports. In many cases, drivers don't realise a fine exists — especially buyers of used vehicles, who may inherit fines from the previous owner.
Unpaid traffic fines in Tanzania attract a surcharge after 7 days. Catching them early saves you money — and avoids vehicle impoundment at checkpoints.
Method 1: Check Online via TMS (tms.tpf.go.tz)
The Tanzania Police Force operates the Traffic Management System (TMS) at tms.tpf.go.tz. This is the official portal for checking and paying traffic fines.
Go to tms.tpf.go.tz
Open the TMS portal in your browser. Works on both desktop and mobile.
Enter your vehicle plate number
Type your full registration number (e.g. T123 ABC) in the search field.
Click Search
The system displays any pending fines, including the offence, location, date, amount, and reference number.
Pay via M-Pesa or bank
Use the GePG control number to pay through M-Pesa, NMB, CRDB, or any participating bank.
Method 2: Check via USSD Code
No internet? You can check traffic fines using a USSD code on any Tanzanian mobile network.
Dial *152*75# on your phone, then enter your vehicle registration number when prompted. You'll receive an SMS with your fine status.
Method 3: RTOC Check
RTOC (Road Traffic Offences Check) is the public-facing interface built on TMS at tms.tpf.go.tz. It lets you check by plate number or driving licence number and returns results from the same police database.
Tired of checking manually every week? GariWatch does it automatically — every 6 hours — and emails you the moment a fine appears on your vehicle.
Try GariWatch Free for 7 Days →All Methods at a Glance
| Method | Where | Requires Manual Check? |
|---|---|---|
| GariWatch ⭐ | gariwatch.online | No — alerts you automatically |
| TMS Online Portal | tms.tpf.go.tz | Yes — you check manually |
| USSD Code | Dial *152*75# | Yes — you check manually |
| RTOC Check | tms.tpf.go.tz | Yes — you check manually |
What Happens If You Don't Pay?
Traffic officers at checkpoints across Tanzania have real-time access to TMS. If you're stopped with unpaid fines, you may be required to pay on the spot or have your vehicle impounded. For commercial vehicles, unpaid fines can lead to suspension of operating licences.
How to Pay Traffic Fines in Tanzania
Once you have your GePG control number from TMS, pay through:
- M-Pesa: Lipa na M-Pesa → Pay Bill → Enter GePG business number and your control number
- NMB / CRDB / other banks: Use the control number at any branch or via mobile banking
Tips for Tanzanian Vehicle Owners
- Check for fines immediately when buying a used vehicle — they follow the plate, not the owner
- Keep your GePG receipts after payment as proof
- Check before long road trips — checkpoints are common on major routes