By Mackie M. Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has issued a strong public warning following a surge in fraudulent activities by individuals impersonating officials of the agency to extort money from unsuspecting citizens. The development has raised serious concerns about public trust, service accessibility, and the growing sophistication of roadside scams targeting drivers and aspiring license holders across the country.
According to a public notice released on March 30, 2026, the Authority disclosed that it has received multiple reports of individuals falsely claiming to provide official SLRSA services particularly in relation to driver’s licenses while demanding unauthorized payments. These impostors often operate around busy motor parks, roadside checkpoints, and even within communities, presenting themselves as agents capable of fast tracking licenses or resolving documentation issues for a fee.
Management of the SLRSA has unequivocally condemned these actions, describing them as criminal and misleading. Officials stressed that the Authority has not authorized any individual or third party to collect money outside its established offices or approved service centers. The warning comes amid growing frustration from members of the public who say they have been deceived into paying inflated or entirely fictitious fees under the impression that they were dealing with legitimate representatives.
In response to these developments, the SLRSA is not only urging vigilance but also rolling out measures aimed at improving transparency and accessibility. One of the key interventions highlighted in the notice is the decentralization of its services. This move is designed to bring official licensing and road safety services closer to citizens across different regions, thereby reducing reliance on middlemen and minimizing opportunities for fraud.
To further enhance public awareness, the Authority has published a detailed and standardized price list for all driver’s license categories. This effort is intended to eliminate confusion about costs and empower citizens to identify and reject illegal charges.
Under the official structure, licenses for motorbike riders (Category A), tricycle operators (A+), and combined motorbike and tricycle users (AA+) are all priced at Le 660. For those seeking to drive cars, jeeps, and vans (Category B), the cost is set at Le 1,200. Truck drivers (Category C) are required to pay Le 1,250, while operators of heavy-duty machinery such as excavators and earth-moving equipment (Category D) will pay Le 1,300.
For combined categories, the fees increase progressively. For instance, a license covering motorbikes and cars (AB) costs Le 1,550, while one that includes cars, jeeps, and trucks (BC) is priced at Le 1,600. More extensive combinations such as trucks and heavy equipment (CD) cost Le 1,650. Applicants seeking broader coverage such as ABC (motorbikes, cars, and trucks) and BCD (cars, trucks, and heavy equipment) will pay Le 1,700 and Le 1,750 respectively. The most comprehensive license, covering all categories (ABCD), is set at Le 1,800.
Importantly, the Authority clarified that these fees apply equally to both new applications and renewals, eliminating any ambiguity that fraudsters might exploit to overcharge victims.
Beyond publishing the price list, the SLRSA is emphasizing the importance of accountability in all financial transactions. Members of the public are strongly advised to insist on official receipts for any payments made. Failure to receive proper documentation, officials warn, is a clear red flag indicating possible fraud.
The Authority has also opened multiple reporting channels to encourage citizens to come forward with information. Anyone who encounters suspicious individuals or falls victim to such schemes is urged to report immediately using the dedicated phone lines provided by the agency.
This crackdown forms part of a broader effort by the SLRSA to restore confidence in its operations and ensure that road safety administration in Sierra Leone remains credible, transparent, and citizen-focused. The agency reiterated its commitment to integrity, noting that public cooperation is essential in dismantling these fraudulent networks.
For many Sierra Leoneans, particularly young drivers and commercial operators, obtaining a driver’s license is both a legal requirement and an economic necessity. As such, the emergence of scams in this sector not only undermines governance but also places additional financial burdens on already vulnerable populations. The message from the SLRSA is clear: avoid shortcuts, verify information, and engage only with authorized offices. In an environment where fraudsters continue to adapt, awareness and vigilance remain the most effective tools for protection.
