In Kenya, mastering the NTSA driving exam is a critical step toward earning your driving license. One common question candidates face is, “Name four places you cannot stop?” This question tests your understanding of road safety and traffic rules as outlined by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Knowing these restricted areas not only helps you pass the exam but also ensures safer roads for all Kenyans. This article breaks down the correct answers—on a roundabout, at a junction, at the center of the road, and where there is a no-stopping sign—while providing context to help you apply these rules on Kenyan roads.
Why Knowing Where Not to Stop Matters
Stopping in the wrong place can disrupt traffic flow, endanger other road users, and lead to penalties under Kenya’s Traffic Act. The NTSA emphasizes these rules to promote discipline and reduce accidents, especially in busy urban areas like Nairobi and Mombasa. According to the NTSA’s 2024 road safety report, improper stopping contributes to 12% of minor traffic incidents in Kenya. Understanding these restrictions equips drivers to make informed decisions, whether navigating a bustling matatu-filled junction or a quiet rural road.
Four Places You Cannot Stop
The NTSA driving exam highlights specific locations where stopping is prohibited to ensure smooth and safe traffic movement. Below are the four correct answers, with explanations tailored to Kenyan roads:
- On a Roundabout: Stopping on a roundabout, such as the Globe Cinema roundabout in Nairobi, is strictly forbidden. Roundabouts are designed for continuous traffic flow, and stopping disrupts this, increasing the risk of collisions. Drivers must keep moving or exit the roundabout before stopping.
- At a Junction: Junctions, like those along Thika Road or Uhuru Highway, are high-traffic zones where stopping can cause congestion or accidents. Whether it’s a T-junction or a crossroad, halting here blocks other vehicles and pedestrians, violating NTSA rules.
- At the Center of the Road: Stopping in the middle of a road, especially on busy routes like Mombasa Road, is dangerous and illegal. It obstructs traffic in both directions and can confuse other drivers, leading to rear-end collisions or road rage incidents.
- Where There Is a No-Stopping Sign: No-stopping signs, often seen in urban centers like Kisumu or Eldoret, indicate areas where stopping is prohibited due to safety or traffic flow concerns. These signs are legally binding, and ignoring them can result in fines or vehicle clamping.
Applying These Rules on Kenyan Roads
Beyond passing the NTSA driving exam, these rules are practical for everyday driving. For instance, in Nairobi’s Central Business District, no-stopping signs are common to prevent congestion, while rural junctions require clear visibility to avoid accidents with speeding lorries. The NTSA’s 2025 traffic guidelines, available on their official website (ntsa.go.ke), stress that compliance with these rules reduces road fatalities, which claimed over 4,000 lives in Kenya in 2024. New drivers should also be aware of additional restrictions, such as stopping on pedestrian crossings or near fire hydrants, which may appear in advanced exam questions.
Preparing for Your NTSA Driving Exam
To ace questions like “Name four places you cannot stop,” practice with NTSA-approved resources, such as the Highway Code or online mock tests from platforms like ntsanews.co.ke. Memorize key traffic rules and visualize real-world scenarios, like avoiding stopping at a junction during rush hour in Nakuru. Engage with driving instructors who emphasize practical application, and always check for updates to NTSA regulations, as traffic rules evolve to address Kenya’s growing road network. By mastering these basics, you’ll not only pass your exam but also contribute to safer roads across Kenya.
