Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has gazetted new regulations approving the use of two breathalyser models by law-enforcement agencies, marking a major step in tightening the noose against drunk driving in an effort to curb fatal road traffic accidents.
The regulations authorise the use of two internationally recognised devices: the ST FIT-333Gi, manufactured by AAT Limited of Hong Kong; and the AT9000, manufactured by Hanwei Electronics Group Corporation of China.
Under Statutory Instrument 7 of 2026 — Road Traffic Act (Use of Breathalysers), gazetted on Friday, President Mnangagwa approved the two breathalyser devices for use by police in detecting alcohol-impaired drivers, repealing the previous 2025 regulations and paving the way for nationwide deployment of modern testing equipment.
The move comes against the backdrop of worsening road carnage, with police confirming that 100 people died in 2 412 road traffic accidents during the just-ended festive season holidays, more than double the 1 211 accidents recorded over the same period in 2024.
Fatal crashes rose from 65 to 87, while injuries increased to 471 from 401.
“It is hereby notified that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe has, in terms of section 76(9) of the Road Traffic Act, made the following notice:
“This notice may be cited as the Road Traffic Act (Use of Breathalysers) Notice, 2026,” reads the SI.
“The President has approved the breathalysers specified in the schedule.
“The Road Traffic Act (Use of Breathalysers) Regulations, 2025, published in Statutory Instrument 193 of 2025, are hereby repealed.”
The notice, issued in terms of section 76(9) of the Road Traffic Act, provides the legal framework for police to subject motorists to roadside alcohol testing using certified equipment, strengthening prosecution of drunk-driving offences.
How breathalysers work
Breathalysers measure the concentration of alcohol in a driver’s breath and convert it into a blood alcohol content (BAC) reading. A motorist is required to blow into a disposable mouthpiece attached to the device, which produces an instant digital result.
If a driver exceeds the legal alcohol limit, police can immediately bar them from continuing their journey and institute criminal proceedings.
The devices also allow officers to conduct random roadside checks, night-time patrols and targeted operations at accident black spots, entertainment districts and major highways.
Traffic safety experts say consistent breath testing is one of the most effective deterrents against drunk driving, as motorists are less likely to take the risk of driving after drinking when they know they can be stopped and tested at any point.
The approval of standardised breathalysers closes a long-standing enforcement gap that has often allowed intoxicated drivers to escape detection or prosecution due to lack of certified equipment.
Police have repeatedly identified driver behaviour — including speeding, dangerous overtaking, fatigue and alcohol impairment — as major causes of fatal crashes on Zimbabwe’s highways.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said a preliminary review of accidents recorded on major highways during the holidays points to recurring and preventable causes, largely linked to driver behaviour and vehicle-related factors.
Most of the fatal crashes involved head-on collisions caused by vehicles encroaching into oncoming lanes or engaging in dangerous overtaking manoeuvres, reflecting disregard for traffic regulations and road markings.
“Excessive speeding was also identified as the major contributing factor in the reported accidents, frequently resulting in loss of vehicle control,” he added.
“Several incidents involved vehicles veering off the road, overturning, or colliding with trees or fixed objects, particularly during early morning and night-time hours.
“These crashes suggest that drivers were travelling at speeds beyond their ability to safely control their vehicles, a risk often worsened by fatigue or inattention.”
Police also identified tyre bursts as a significant cause of fatal accidents, especially those involving public service vehicles such as Toyota Hiace kombis.
In many cases, tyre failure led to vehicles overturning, resulting in multiple deaths and serious injuries.
The trend was attributed to poor vehicle maintenance, use of worn-out or substandard tyres, overloading and failure to conduct routine vehicle inspections.
Overloading was cited as another major risk factor, as it compromises vehicle stability, places excessive strain on tyres and reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, particularly at high speeds.
