40 Corrupt Traffic Officials Fired In The
Last Three Years
A total of 40 corrupt "tránsitos" (traffic
officials) have been fired during the
current government according to the director
of the Tránsito police force, Germán Marín,
during an online chat on www.aldia.cr.
Marín was answering a question by a man who
expressed concern of the "chorizos" (bribes)
that may be demanded by Tránsitos once the
new Ley de Tránsito takes effect starting
September 23, when traffic fines multiply up
to 20 times or more from the current.
The concern by many, expressed during the
chat, centred on the requirement of a first
aid kit that has to be included in every
vehicle. Another concern by chatters is the
requirement under the new law that a vehicle
must have seatbelts for every passenger even
if the vehicle does not come equipped with
such.
When the new law takes effect next month,
all vehicles with the license plate ending
with a 9 will be the first to have to meet
the requirements as the first series of
vehicles that will be going through the
inspection.
Marín answered some of the queries by saying
that all vehicles must have seatbelts in the
front seats and recommendable to have them
installed in the rear as well if the vehicle
is not equipped with such, not answering the
direct question if that they are required to
pass inspection or not.
As to the first aid kit, the Tránsito
director replied with a we will see, as the
Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Tránsportes (MOPT)
is analyzing the situation, especially in
the area of the type of medication that will
be required to be included.
Other questions by chatters referred to the
use of "hands free" for cellular phones.
Director Marín reconfirmed that the use of
hands free devices are permitted.
Although the use of a cellular phone - that
is holding the cellular phone with one hand
to the ear - is currently prohibited, the
fine is only ¢10.000 colones at present,
while in September that fine goes to
¢170.250 and 20 points. Using a fixed in car
"hands free" kit, an earphone or "bluetooth"
device is totally permitted, Marín assures.
On the subject of the new fines, many
chatters expressed disconcern for the amount
of the new fines, some saying that the fines
are just another way of the government
getting more money from the people.
Marín responded by saying that the new fines
are not there for people to pay up, but
something for a driver to consider before
making an illegal maneuvre. The director
defended the high fines not so much so that
the driver pays up, but rather that he or
she respects the rules of the road. |
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