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 Despite the restrictions on driving hours, forced by the government to try to stop the contagion of covid-19, this year 9,706 drivers had to pay a fine of about $40 for not carrying basic devices in their vehicles - Illustrative photo -  |
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Published
Thursday, May 27, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff Despite the restrictions on driving hours, forced by the government to try to stop the contagion of covid-19, this year 9,706 drivers had to pay a fine of about $40 for not carrying basic devices in their vehicles, reported the Traffic Police. The lack of carrying basic safety devices in vehicles such as emergency warning triangles, spare tire, toolbox, flashlight, fire extinguisher, reflective clothes, among others, has been the reason of fines to drivers who forget the basic devices listed in the Article #36 of the Traffic Law. The law requires each vehicle to carry the safety tools to prevent accidents, the officers said. For example, emergency warning triangles are used when a vehicle is stopped in the middle of the road and to protect the driver from being hit by another vehicle. Another example is the use of reflective clothing when the driver must leave the vehicle to carry out some repairs or to wait for the arrival of the traffic officer, this helps the driver to be easily seen by other drivers and avoids accidents.  According to traffic officers, another mistake is carrying the fire extinguisher stored in the trunk. This is because in the event of a car crash hitting the trunk, it may be impossible to grab the fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher must be installed in a safe place inside the car for quick use. It also helps avoid it becoming a dangerous object in the event of an accident. Recently, officials reported an increase in other types of fines for reckless maneuvers on the road.  Following article No.126 of the law, drivers who are fined for making dangerous maneuvers must pay about $180. Other actions prohibited by law for drivers are: not wearing a seatbelt and not using a booster seat for children under the age of 12. Motorcyclists tend to not wear a helmet or wear it wrong, or transport children under the age of 5. The most common offenses fined by police to 1,293 motorcycle riders were for not using their helmet, or incorrectly using it or carrying a person without using a proper helmet. One of the offenses that most worries the police is transporting children under 5 years old on a motorcycle. According to the law, the fine for carrying children under the age of 5 on a motorcycle is approximately $360, plus the 4 point penalization on the driving record of the person who commits the crime. Police remind people to report any case of a driver’s risky behavior by calling the 911 emergency line. -------------------------- What is the fine in your country for not carrying basic devices? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com            
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