Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
Sierra Leone enforce ban on RHD vehicles Sierra Leone enforce ban on RHD vehicles
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree4Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Feb 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 9
Sierra Leone enforce ban on RHD vehicles
On 1st January Sierra Leone implemented a ban on right hand drive vehicles.

Sierra Leone to enforce ban on right hand-drive vehicles - Africa - News - StarAfrica.com

Have any overlanders tried to cross Sierra Leone in a RHD vehicle this year?

We're on our way there and concerned we may not be permitted to enter.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Feb 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hereford, UK
Posts: 73
Isn't this just for importing a vehicle? I think just transiting through a country is a different thing entirely.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Feb 2015
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
Smile
Hello Twiggy and welcome to Horizons.
I am a little confused by your post!
Why your concern? You already know that their Law has changed; being turned away is a risk you take!

Out of curiosity, I telephoned their Embassy - usually the best place for a definitive (**) answer.

They said that tourists with RHD vehicles would be allowed in for up to 3 months from the 1st January 2015 and that they must leave with their vehicles before end of March 2015.
They also said that : Any RHD in the country have this time window to either convert their vehicles or export them.

(**) 'definitive' is a loose term in Africa. Be prepared to possibly be turned away if the border guard is not aware of the 'time window'.
You could get lucky or have to make a detour!
Good luck.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Feb 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 9
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
Hello Twiggy and welcome to Horizons.
I am a little confused by your post!
Why your concern? You already know that their Law has changed; being turned away is a risk you take!

Good luck.
Hi Bertrand, thanks for the welcome and for going to the trouble of calling the embassy.

You're right that it's a risk I take but it helps for planning to have a little information in advance if there is any on offer...
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Feb 2015
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
"must leave with their vehicles before end of March 2015."

Just to confirm, no RHD even for tourists on a temp import after March 2015?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Feb 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
From memory RHD are also banned in both Ghana and Nigeria. But they do make exceptions for tourist vehicles on a CDP that is transiting through the country.

We're very much hoping the same will apply to S Leone, esp. as they'll be keen to see tourists return after ebola. I'll let you know what I find out.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Feb 2015
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
I can only repeat what I was told above. It seems that their wish is to get rid of all RHD vehicles in SL.
Whether this actually materialises on the ground remains to be seen and could well be a totally different story. IMHO, anyone headed there must check the latest info and plan accordingly.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Feb 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hereford, UK
Posts: 73
I still think this may only apply to permenant imports. Vehicles transiting through the country should be exempt. They have a similar rule in Senegal - no RHD vehicles can be imported but going through the country is fine.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 Feb 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
I hope so too Straggler. The wording of the new law refers to a ban on the importation OR operation of a RHD vehicle in the country.

Minister of Transportation and Aviation Leonard Balogun Koroma implemented the ban at the beginning of this month, but said it has actually been illegal to drive them for two years in Sierra Leone.

"The road traffic regulation act of 2011 states no vehicle that has its steering apparatus fitted on right-hand side of a vehicle shall be allowed to register or operate on the streets," he noted.

Latest information I could find is here:

[url=http://awoko.org/2015/01/07/sierra-leone-news-ban-on-right-hand-drive-effective/]Sierra Leone News: Ban on right-hand drive effective
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10 Feb 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Posts: 193
Should be OK.
Hi All,
I'm currently working in Sierra Leone and just got off the phone with the General Manager of Toyota Sierra Leone. His educated guess is that overlanders shouldn't have too much of an issue driving through the country. Of course some police might try to wangle some dash out of travelers, but that's the order of the day around here anyway.

Currently any vehicle may be driven around Sierra Leone for 3 months with foreign plates (after paying the required fee) before requiring to be registered and plated in Sierra Leone. Many people go to Conakry to buy cars and drive with Guinea plates for the first 3 months.

Best of luck with your travels.
CJ.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 3 Mar 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 9
OK so we got in, and no bribes were needed to be paid at all in the process (which is really encouraging), but it wasn't easy.

The ban on RHD drive vehicles has been repealed until September 2015 due to a combination of ebola and the lack of available parts for conversion.

However, we were told at the border that this only applies to cars already inside SL, and the border customs & police were very strict on this point, even for anyone intending to pass through.

The car was impounded in customs and we took a taxi to Freetown in the hope of getting permission for its release.

In the morning we visited the Ministry for Road Safety (DVLA equivalent) and were lucky to find sympathetic ears. We were able to register the vehicle as RHD and were granted a windshield sticker to allow us to drive the car in Sierra Leone until such time as we either convert or export it.

That afternoon we returned to the border and were able to collect the car.

I can't really think of a good way to avoid this process, but it's worth knowing that it is the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) on Kissy Road in Freetown that are administering this.

PM me if you need for info.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 3 Mar 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
Hi Twiggy,

Thanks for the update.

To be clear: were you trying to import your vehicle permanently? Were you using a carnet de passage?

We have been in contact with the S Leone embassy to clarify the situation, and also with a Minister in Sierra Leone who is currently visiting the UK. We have explained the situation with regards tourism and bringing RHD into the country for a short period (ie less than a month). We are hoping for a response within the next 2 weeks. They sounded sympathetic, but we will wait and see.

However, we are a commercial overland company, so they might be more sympathetic.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 3 Mar 2015
Overland Tonka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Originally London. Now driving my Toyota.
Posts: 191
Many thanks for the up to date information..

Things just keep getting better and better!!!

This RHD issue is causing us such a headache both in Africa and S America that we are seriously thinking of buying a LHD and kitting it out for the rest of our RTW trip.

Mind you..if we get one in Germany at least we could get our CPD from the ADAC.

We was due to hit Africa this October and was even considering putting that on hold and going to S America first until the question of RHD arose in Chile.

So, its drive around the problem in SL..Hmmm...or get a boat around..or..Put a "For Sale" Ad up..One Toyota in tip top condition RHD.
__________________
Facebook " Kevin Heike " come and say Hello as we travel around the world.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 4 Mar 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 9
Quote:
To be clear: were you trying to import your vehicle permanently?
we don't intend to import permanently, though we would like to keep it here for a few months. Nevertheless you can only buy the 'circulation permit' for temporary import (valid for 3 months) if you clear customs.

Quote:
Were you using a carnet de passage?
We have a carnet de passage but Sierra Leone don't use it.
Instead you just need a Laissez-Passer which is available from the SL high commission in London or in Guinea (possibly also at the border but tbh I wouldn't risk buying at the border unless you have to).
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 4 Mar 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
Quote:
Originally Posted by straggler View Post
I still think this may only apply to permenant imports. Vehicles transiting through the country should be exempt. They have a similar rule in Senegal - no RHD vehicles can be imported but going through the country is fine.
and Gambia

You really would have thought these countries had bigger fish to fry!!!
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Tags
right hand drive, sierra leone

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride saralou Ride Tales 3545 3 Days Ago 17:10
Provisions for driving in China. - facts. uk_vette West and South Asia 2 24 Jul 2014 08:58
From Sierra Leone to France - Advice & suggestions welcome! McShizzle Route Planning 20 3 Dec 2013 09:34
Sinai - Ban on foreign vehicles? taniyamorris Middle East 2 13 May 2013 18:03
West Africa - Sierra Leone to Ghana davidmarcus Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 9 Dec 2011 10:56

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:30.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top