The Gambia government has vowed to take tough measures to crack down on car drifting a menace and growing concern in the country.
As the trend gains popularity among young Gambian drivers, authorities are also tightening their belts to take harsh stance against those caught drifting. Recently the Minister of Information, Dr Ismail Ceesay, announced plans to modernize the country’s legal framework to address the issue.
Meanwhile drivers caught drifting will face fines of up to D30,000 or imprisonment for 3-5 years.
The Gambia Police Force has declared a “zero-tolerance” policy on drifting. Recently five young men in The Gambia have been found guilty of reckless driving, unlicensed driving, and unauthorized use of tinted glass. The accused include Momodou-Marting Sanyang, Sering-Mass Gaye, Muhammed Bah, Ismaila Faal and Samba Ceesay, all pleaded guilty to the charges.
Police prosecutors said the actions of these young people caused pandemonium, fear and confusion, as they were confronted by the Jabang youths, which led to the destruction of several vehicles, bringing the entire traffic to a standstill.
The group, who pleaded guilty, were remanded in custody until sentencing. They face potential imprisonment after causing chaos in Jabang village, leading to vehicle damage and traffic disruption. Their lawyer seeks leniency, citing their first-time offender status, educational pursuit and prison congestion. Sentencing is pending.
The government cites outdated laws as a major contributor to the problem. The authorities are concerned about the safety risks posed by drifting, including accidents and damage to property.
The government plans to increase penalties for reckless driving offences. The authorities will work to educate drivers about the dangers of drifting. Parents may be held accountable for their children’s actions, facing fines or imprisonment if their negligence results in injury or destruction of property.
However, the Gambian government’s repression on car drifting marks a significant step towards addressing the growing concern over road safety and reckless driving. With stricter penalties and increased enforcement, authorities aim to curb the trend and protect citizens. As the community adapt to these changes, it is clear that drifting is no longer a thrill worth the risk. The government and citizens alike are working together to create safer roads for everyone.
In view of this, Bundung Magistrates’ Court today, 19 August 2025, sentenced Malick Badjie to a mandatory jail term of three years with hard labour for his role in the reckless car drifting incident at Abuko School, which left a Grade 6 student, Abdourahman Bah, seriously injured.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Malick Badjie to compensate the victim with one million Dalasis. Failure to pay the compensation will result in an additional two-year imprisonment.
This judgment follows his earlier guilty plea to a charge of Reckless and Negligent Act contrary to Section 190 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025.
The Gambia Police Force reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on reckless driving and car drifting, stressing that such acts pose grave risks to lives and public safety. The GPF remains resolute in ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law, a police statement said.
