Traffic law changes are again hung up in procedural move
March 10th, 2010 | by admin |Changes in the new traffic law are back in limbo today after the leadership of the Asamblea Legislativa said that the executive branch was withdrawing the package for further consultations with interested parties.
This is the legislation that would reduce fines of those caught under the strict new law. Lawmakers generally are trying to reduce the fines that they, themselves, set to about a third.
During this period of the year, the executive branch has jurisdiction over the legislative calendar, which is why the bill could be withdrawn.
Earlier in the day, lawmakers eliminated mandatory jail for first-time drunk drivers. There were other changes in the penalties of the law.
Still unknown is how the withdrawal of the bill will affect those measures already determined.
Lawmakers and the executive branch have been under intense pressure over the penalties in the bill. Much of the pressure comes from the business community, which anticipates problems with the driving records of their employees. Already lawmakers have thrown out a points system, mostly at the request of the business community.
During the afternoon, lawmakers approved changes in what is considered reckless driving. That is now defined as driving a vehicle at 150 kilometers an hour or more, some 93 mph, participating in drag races or driving under the effects of drugs.
In the case of drag races or driving at high speed, the motorist faces prison from one to three years and from one to five years of a suspended license.
Those found driving under the influence of drugs can be sentenced of up to six years in prison and lose the license for 10 years. A repeat offender faces three years in prison if caught within five years.
Under Costa Rican law, those sentenced for up to three years can be given alternative methods, like public service, besides actually going to jail to work off their penalty.
Lawmakers also fixed a period of no more than 20 years for a vehicle to be used as a taxi.
The period now is 16 years. Lawmakers also reduced the fine for not having a child in a seatbelt.
Story by AM CR
