A law  in defense of life

Alcohol related traffic accidents in Costa Rica have become a nightmare, bringing pain and suffering to many families.  Until recently, alcohol was literally inundating the streets of our country.

In a swift move to alleviate this problem, our Legislative Assembly issued a new transit law which seeks to reduce this blithe that has resulted in so much anguish.  This new law utilizes severe penalties as a strong deterrent to such infractions.

Diverse organizations worldwide have supported the government’s efforts to establish this new law we have in place today.  In the considered opinion of this writer, the new law has achieved a strong reduction in highway fatalities. In spite of certain errors and omissions, this law has forced drivers to think twice about the repercussions of sitting in the driver’s seat after drinking alcoholic beverages as well as of the consequences attributable to driving irresponsibly.  

But let’s get to the point.
What is the new law all about?
What are the penalties one would face?
The following is a short analysis and a quick guide to aid in understanding the new facets and dimensions put into place.

The new Traffic Law defines possible violations and their corresponding monetary penalties.   These penalties will represent both financial cost and a strike against ones driving record.  Under the new terms, each person will have 50 points credited to their drivers license.  These points will be deducted based on driving violations. The loss of some or all of ones points will lead to the temporary or permanent revocation of ones drivers license.

These are some examples of the fines depending on the type of infraction and their relationship to our “driving points”:

-A driver involved in a fatal accident or one that results in injury due to reckless driving, or irresponsible actions ( I.E. drag racing)will lose all of their points and face criminal charges.  The driver will be detained, the vehicle will be impounded and the case taken to the court system where a judge will decide if the vehicle is to be returned to its owner or if it will become the property of the State.

- A driver who drives at a speed above 75 miles per hour, under the influence of drugs or with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.5% grams of alcohol, will lose all of their points and will receive a fine of ¢227,000 (approximately $500 US)

- Drivers who do not properly secure children in car seats will lose all of their points and pay a fine of $500.
- Running a red light will result in the loss of 25 points and a fine of $350.
- Using a cell phone while driving will result in the loss of 25 points and a fine of $350.
- Drivers who do not buckle their seat belt or have passengers who are not wearing seat belts risk loosing 20 points and a fine of $350
- Any motorcyclist not wearing a safety helmet, loses 20 points and pay a $350 fine.
- Anyone driving without a drivers license or with one that is invalid or expired will lose 5 points and will face a fine around $200.
- Any driver found driving on the beach would lose 15 points and pay a fine of $350.

These are only some examples of the fines that the new Traffic Law will impart.  As drivers, it is our duty to always be attentive to the traffic signals, to abide by the rules and above all, to drive carefully and in a responsible manner.
The new law regulates many other elements, but due to the complexity of the legal language used, it is hard for a layperson to understand. 
Educational campaigns are already underway to help familiarize the population with the intricacies.  In the meantime, if you find yourself in a problem of this nature, it is best to seek the assistance of a legal expert.