Tougher Penalties for Traffic Violations

We are one step away from the bill reforming the Road Law becoming law. The new rules increase penalties and make it easier to cancel the license of those who drive with a phone in their hand or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Today, the final vote is expected in the Senate on the reform, which includes revoking the licenses of those who drive on the phone, drink and drive while intoxicated, and those who leave animals on the road. Also stricter rules for scooters with mandatory license plates, helmets and insurance. The engine capacity of cars that new drivers can use will increase, but the limit will be valid for three years. Penalties, increases from 2025: These will be adjusted for inflation. ‘Increasing by up to 17 percent’ Here’s how they’ve changed. PHONES AT THE WHEEL The fine for those who drive with a smartphone will range from a minimum of 250 euros to a maximum of 1,000 euros. A one-week automatic suspension is also included if you are caught using your phone behind the wheel and the license has at least 10 points. If the scores are low, the suspension will be 15 days. In case of repetition, the penalty is up to 1,400 euros, the license can be suspended for up to three months and a deduction of 8 to 10 points is imposed. Suspension periods are doubled if phone use causes an accident or causes another vehicle to run off the road. DRINKING AND DRIVING Zero tolerance: If the blood alcohol level is between 0.5 and 0.8 grams per liter, a fine of 573 to 2,170 euros is imposed and the driver’s license is revoked for 3 to 6 months. If the blood alcohol level is between 0.8 and 1.5 grams per liter, the person is punished with a double penalty, detention and a fine (imprisonment for up to 6 months and a fine between 800 and 3 thousand 200 euros). License suspension for 6 months to 1 year. If the blood alcohol level is above 1.5 grams per liter, the crime is punishable by arrest and fines (arrest from 6 months to one year and fine from 1,500 to 6,000 euros) and driver’s license suspension from one to two years. What can you drink in practice? It depends on your weight, height, and whether you’re on a full stomach: you’ll usually be safe with a glass of wine, a can of beer, or a shot of spirits. Current rules for new drivers stipulate a zero alcohol level for three years. All instances of drunk driving will result in a 10 point deduction from your licence. The penalties include having to wear an alcohol interlock, a device that prevents the engine from starting if a blood alcohol level is detected above zero. DRUG USE Zero tolerance for drug users. Those who are found to be driving under the influence of alcohol will no longer necessarily be required to undergo a psycho-physical change, but a positive test result will be sufficient for the license to be revoked and a three-year suspension. SPEED Those who do not exceed the maximum speed limits by more than 10 km/h and by more than 40 km/h will be fined between 173 and 694 Euros. If the violation is committed in a residential area and at least twice within a year, the penalty is increased by 220 to 880 euros and a license suspension of fifteen to thirty days is imposed. ABANDONMENT OF ANIMALS Cancellation or suspension of the licenses of those who leave animals on the road for six months to one year. Additionally, there is a risk of imprisonment for up to seven years if an accident causes death or injury. BICYCLES AND SCOOTERS More protection for cyclists: In addition to increasing bicycle lanes, drivers must maintain a distance of one and a half meters when overtaking bicycles. License plate, helmet and insurance are required for scooters. The bill imposes a ban on driving and circulating against traffic only on urban roads where the speed limit does not exceed 50 km/h. SPEED CAMERAS If more than one fine is issued on the same road section, within a one-hour period and under the authority of the same authority, only one fine is payable: the heaviest is increased by one third. SUPER CARS The ‘powerful’ driving ban for new drivers will increase from one year to three years (but only for those who get a license after the law is passed). They will not be able to use vehicles with a power exceeding 75 kW/t and vehicles with a maximum power exceeding 105 kW. However, the power limit has been softened somewhat. The current Regulation generally foresees a limit of 55 kW/t for vehicles and 70 kW/hour for automobiles.