The National Assembly of Benin has adopted a new road code, law n° 2026-18, aimed at enhancing road safety and adapting to the country's rapid development. The new code was adopted unanimously on October 26, 2026, after decades of applying a colonial-era text. The new law is expected to bring significant improvements to road safety in Benin.
The need for a revised road code is largely due to the outdated nature of the current regulations, which date back to July 1956. According to Louis Dèhoumon Koukpemedji, a member of the National Assembly and the Commission on Laws, Administration, and Human Rights, the old regulations were inadequate for addressing modern realities. The country's rapid urbanization, growth in the number of vehicles, and development of new infrastructure necessitated a review of the road code.
The old road code, which was an arrêté général, had been in use for nearly 70 years, despite being inadequate for addressing contemporary challenges. Koukpemedji noted that Benin had undergone significant changes, including rapid urbanization, an increase in the number of vehicles, and the emergence of new technologies. These changes created new risks for road users, highlighting the need for an updated legislation.
The new road code aims to provide better protection for road users and improve road safety. According to Koukpemedji, the new law seeks to address the shortcomings of the old code and provide a more effective framework for managing road safety. The code was initiated by the government and transmitted to the National Assembly for examination and adoption.
The process leading to the adoption of the new road code involved several stages. A seminar was organized in Grand-Popo, which was attended by the President of the National Assembly, members of the government, and administrative officials. The seminar provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the reform and its implications before the code was examined in detail by the Commission on Laws, Administration, and Human Rights.
The Commission on Laws, Administration, and Human Rights played a crucial role in the examination and adoption of the new road code. Koukpemedji, who is a member of the commission, explained that the commission studied the project and made recommendations before it was adopted by the National Assembly. The new road code is expected to have a positive impact on road safety in Benin.
The adoption of the new road code marks a significant milestone in Benin's efforts to improve road safety. According to Koukpemedji, the new code prioritizes the protection of human life, which is essential for ensuring road safety. The code is expected to provide a more effective framework for managing road safety and reducing the risk of accidents on Benin's roads.
Key points
- The new road code aims to enhance road safety and adapt to modern realities in Benin.
- The old road code, which dated back to 1956, was inadequate for addressing contemporary challenges.
- The new code prioritizes the protection of human life and provides a more effective framework for managing road safety.
