Filenews 17 September 2024
The issue of increasing extrajudicial fines imposed on drivers for serious offences on the roads comes up again, following the findings that they cost lives.
There may be several bill proposals pending in Parliament, with which MPs request the payment of extrajudicial fees with instalments or an extension of the repayment time of a fine, while at the same time the out-of-court fee for a violation by cameras has been reduced, however, according to "F" information, the increase of the fine for specific offenses is mainly on the table.
According to the data of the Traffic Police, drivers, despite knowing that the belt saves lives, do not wear them, resulting in seven of our fellow human beings being killed this year because they did not wear a seat belt.
At the same time, four of the seven motorcyclists who died on the roads this year did not wear their helmets. What's worse, nine of the 26 fatal accidents this year were caused by careless or negligent driving, meaning drivers had their mobile phones in hand and their attention distracted by it.
These findings concern not only this year but also previous ones, so there are thoughts of increasing penalties for using a mobile phone while driving, for not wearing a seat belt and helmet, to be included in the frame of discussions in the Road Safety Council. Also, among the offenses for which there are thoughts of increasing the extrajudicial fine, it is also illegal for motorcycle drivers not to carry registration plates.
It was found that a large number of motorcycles do not have registration numbers or if they do, they are hidden, so they cannot be identified by the photo-labelling system. Also, members of the Traffic Police, while they see a motorcycle traffic illegality being committed before their eyes, cannot do anything, since they are not recognized due to the absence of registration plates, nor does they start hunting on the streets so as not to put lives in danger.
Today, if someone drives a motor vehicle or motorcycle without registration numbers, he is subject to an extrajudicial fine of €85. This the Traffic Police wants to change and double so that motorcycle owners are forced to place signs.
The extrajudicial fee for using a mobile phone while driving (hands-free) currently amounts to €150 and if the offence is repeated within two years, then it doubles, i.e. reaches €300. For another item, the out-of-court fee is €85.
For not wearing a seat belt, the extrajudicial fee is €150 and if the offense is repeated in the next three years then it reaches €300. For not wearing a protective helmet, the out-of-court fee is €200 and if the driver is reported again within three years, then it is doubled to €400. No amounts have yet been discussed for these offences, since Members' intentions will have to be consulted and examined.
