New Ley de Tránsito
Goes Into Effect Jan 8
Beginning on January 8,
2009, drunk and reckless
drivers can end up in
prison, says the
ministra de Obras
Públicas y Transportes (MOPT),
Karla Gongaléz,
as the first acts of the
new Ley de Tránsito go
into effect.
Tomorrow, Tuesday,
December 23, La Gaceta
will publish a special
edition that include the
new Ley de
Tránsito approved by
legislators earlier this
month.
Although the complete
law will not go into
effect until the third
quarter of 2009, the
drunk driving and
reckless driving
provisions will be in
force beginning January
8, when a person is
found to have more than
0.75 blood alcohol
content while behind the
wheel of a vehicle will
be detained by the
Policia de Tránsito and
be immediately handed
over to the Juzgado
Penal (Criminal Court).
As well, on January 8,
2009, any driver caught
going over 150 Km/h will
face the same fate,
lining up in criminal
court.
Drunk drivers can face
from one to three years
prison. More if serious
bodily injury or
fatality occurs.
MOPT officials say they
will need at least nine
months to get all the
regulations of the new
Ley de Tránsito
in place, set up an
office for complaints,
hire 400 more Tránsito
officials and educate
the public on the new
fines and regulations.
The law has been more
than two years in the
making and is an attempt
by transportation
officials to curd the
"war" that Costa Rica
has on its roads.
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