By Aaron Humes: A Bill for an Act to amend the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 230 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020; to strengthen the legal framework for detecting and deterring driving under the influence of alcohol; to introduce provisions for breath tests and breath analysis; to establish procedures for the collection and analysis of specimens; to provide penalties for non-compliance and refusal to submit to testing; to amend the provisions of dealer’s general license for motorcycles, repairs and manufacturing of motor vehicles, and motorcycles, and to make provisions for agency in respect to motorcycle dealerships; to include Caye Caulker Village as a municipality; to provide for the payment of certain fees, charges, fines and penalties to the Village Council of Caye Caulker; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, was introduced at the House of Representatives on Thursday.
Minister Dr Louis Zabaneh said the amendment will treat Caye Caulker on the level of San Pedro Town regarding the collection of traffic-related fees, charges, fines, and penalties, which will in turn be used to fix the island village’s roads and meet other community needs.
The larger problem is combating driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. In the case of the latter, said Dr Zabaneh, “the first offence is up to $1,500 in fines or up to one year in jail and disqualification (from driving) for a year; the second offence, up to three years in jail and disqualification for life.”
Breathalyzer testing will now be allowed in law and will become the first option for transport and Police officers; blood and urine samples will continue to be taken if a breathalyzer is not available. It will be an offence to resist or refuse such a test, carrying the same penalties as driving under the influence.
The set limit will be 0.035 mg/100 ml of breath, equivalent to 80 mg/100 ml in blood. The type of device will be approved by the Minister.
The laws will also include the provision for driving training, a two-week course costing up to $300 at the local ITVET.
A fine of $500 will be issued for loud modified motorcycle exhaust systems – producing noise beyond 80 decibels.
Violation tickets will increase for failure to obey traffic signs, improper overtaking, and similar offenses. A one-year tint permit sticker will be issued for those meeting the requirements, and a fine of $500 will be issued for those who do not. Tinting will be banned for persons convicted of serious violent crimes, including drug trafficking, sexually-based offences, human trafficking, and smuggling. Rental vehicles and taxis will not be allowed to be tinted as well as vehicles of other persons not considered fit and proper. International visitors will need a permit costing $50.
The Bill goes to the Public Utilities, Transport and Communication committee of the House.
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By Aaron Humes: A Bill for an Act to amend the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 230 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020; to strengthen the legal framework for detecting and deterring driving under the influence of alcohol; to introduce provisions for breath tests and breath analysis; to establish procedures
The post Transport Minister introduces updates to Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act; increases penalties for drunk driving and other offenses appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
