The Department of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS) has warned that any school bus found carrying more passengers than its approved seating capacity will be impounded, and the responsible school will be fined.
DRTSS said on its official Facebook page that the warning follows an incident on Saturday when traffic officers in Lilongwe intercepted a minibus carrying 36 schoolchildren, more than double its approved capacity of 16.
The overloaded bus posed serious safety risks, as children are particularly vulnerable during sudden braking, sharp turns, or collisions, the department said.
DRTSS officials immediately arranged alternative transport to ensure the students reached their schools safely.
In the Facebook post, the department emphasised that schools and transport operators must comply with seating capacity rules.“One seat per child is mandatory to prevent accidents,” the post read.
The department warned that any bus found in violation would be impounded, and the responsible school would face a fine.
Officials said regular enforcement will be conducted in all districts to ensure that children travel safely to and from school.
Parents and guardians were urged to verify that transport providers adhere to vehicle capacity regulations before sending children to school.
DRTSS highlighted that overloading vehicles not only breaks the law but also endangers children’s lives and compromises road safety for all road users.
The agency added that repeat violations will attract stricter penalties for schools and transport operators who fail to comply.
DRTSS concluded by reminding the public that protecting children on the roads is a shared responsibility between schools, transport operators, guardians, and the wider community.
