The decision from Transport Minister, Jean Ernest Ngallè Bibéhè follows widespread complaints of harassment from drivers, especially those with pick-ups and heavy-duty vehicles.
The Minister of Transport, Jean Ernest Ngallè Bibéhè, has issued a directive calling for the immediate release of all vehicles wrongly impounded for failing to present the S6 Special License. In a statement released recently, the Minister expressed concern over the increasing number of road users, particularly owners of pick-ups and heavy-duty vehicles facing undue harassment during routine road safety checks. According to the member of government, many drivers have been erroneously asked to present the S6 License, which is not required in several cases. “The Minister of Transport hereby informs the general public that he has observed repeated harassment of road users, especially those with commercial vehicles, during road safety controls,” the communiqué which the National Post read through stated.
Clarifying the legal framework, the Minister reminded road users that the S6 Special License introduced under Decree No. 2022/8801/PM ’f 10 October 2022 is intended exclusively for individuals or businesses engaged in the transportation of personal goods. The license applies only to light or heavy vehicles used for the transport or delivery of such goods. Significantly, the Minister underlined that personal vehicles with a total authorized weight of less than 3.5 tons, as well as service vehicles used to transport work materials and staff, are not required to have the S6 License. “This clarification is necessary to ensure law enforcement officers apply road regulations correctly and avoid unjust penalties on law-abiding citizens,” he said.
In light of these clarifications, the Minister has instructed that all vehicles wrongly seized due to the non-presentation of the S6 License be released without delay. The directive is expected to bring relief to many drivers and transport operators who have complained of arbitrary enforcement practices on Cameroonian roads. Transport unions and civil society organizations have welcomed the move, calling it a step toward restoring fairness in the implementation of transport regulations. The Ministry of Transport has urged all road safety officers and police units to adhere strictly to the clarified provisions to avoid future incidents of unjustified vehicle seizures.
