|
| 
Published Thursday, January 14, 2021
2,000-plus DUI arrests despite
the ban-on-driving
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
In 2020, from January to December, despite the ban-on-driving rule, the closure of bars, stores and places to buy liquor, the traffic police reported 2,383 drunk drivers were taken before a judge of the Public Ministry for breaking the Traffic Law.
According to the police, in 2019 when there were no pandemic restrictions, 2,138 drunk drivers were arrested, which means in 2020 there was an increase of 245 cases, equivalent to 11% more.
Drivers who test positive for drunk driving with over 0.75 grams in the breath alcohol test must be arrested, according to the Traffic Law. The vehicle must be seized. And the driver must pay a fine of approximately $530, plus take the penalty of 6 points on their driving record.
When a driver is penalized with 6 points on their driving record, they are forced to take the driving course again and must score a minimum of 80 points out of 100 to renew the license.
In 2020, 14,964 breath alcohol tests were applied to drivers suspected of being under the influence. Of those, only 245 drivers had a low alcohol level that the driver was not fined. In this case, the breath alcohol test result must be less than 0.20 grams of alcohol, equivalent to a glass of liquor.
Also, 236 drivers ranged in alcohol results between 0.20 and 0.75 grams in the test. They must pay the same fine of about $530 plus the penalty of 6 points on their driving record.
In 2020, 11 drunk drivers died in car crashes, according to the police.
------------------
What is the drunk driving penalty in your country? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com
 |
