Making the Most of Unplanned Police Stops

March 27, 2025

Dear Subscriber First Name,

If you're exploring East Africa by road, you’ll likely get flagged down at police barriers. As a self-driver, how can you turn these unplanned stops into enriching travel experiences?

First, it's essential to understand that police barriers primarily serve road safety and general security—not to extract money from travelers. While some officers may occasionally supplement their modest salaries, their goal is to protect you and the public. This understanding will help you stay calm and respond appropriately when you're flagged down.

So, what should you do when you’re flagged down at a police barrier?

Forget the stereotype that officers are only trying to extort money. Many times, they’re just genuinely curious about where you’re from and where you're headed. Smile, stay relaxed, and if you’ve broken a traffic rule, simply admit it, pay the fine (which is possible via mobile app), and move on.

Surprise the officers by reacting differently from most travelers. Police officers are used to being yelled at, especially by foreigners who often respond angrily and threaten consequences. Doing the obvious will provoke them to make your life as difficult as possible. That way, you are likely to lose valuable time.

Instead, stay friendly, open, and use the situation to make new friends and learn more about the country. Ask them something like, "Which part of Tanzania are you from?" This shift in attitude can even make them overlook (or forget about) a minor speeding infraction.

By staying relaxed and friendly, you signal that you're not expecting to be asked for money, giving the officers a good reputation to live up to. If they do nudge you for money, a lighthearted remark like, "You wouldn’t ask me for money, would you?" usually helps deflect the request.

Overall, East African traffic police are friendly and helpful. On our longer overland trips (5,000+ km), we pass over 200 police barriers, get stopped about 30 times, and have never been asked for money at a single stop. Instead, we’ve made many new friends throughout the region.

And when you're about to continue your journey, tell the police officers, “Tuko pamoja!”

Conrad

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