Coercive traffic law in force to curb road accidents in Algeria

The new traffic law that came into effects since eight days doesn’t seem to make a consensus and has been differently commented by the Algerian citizens. Views swung between those who praised the content and those who raised concerns as to the coerciveness of the law that didn’t spare even the passers-by.

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• A large majority is not aware of the content of the law, though published on the official journal since last July. Consequently, Echourok newspaper has resorted to thoroughly inform its readers on the details of the offences and penalties included in the law.
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• Penalties were classified, according to their seriousness, into four categories, starting with irregularities of the first degree whose fine varies from 2000 to 2500 Algerian Dinars in relation to lights, stop-lights and bikes. The penalties include for the first time passers-by who don’t use pedestrians to cross the street.
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• The second degree irregularities concern vehicles’ speed of all categories (without engine, trailer or semi-trailer) , the use of audio alarms and the use of emergency strip. They are punishable by a fine that varies from 2000 to 3000 Algerian Dinars.
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• 2000 to 4000 Algerian Dinars are levied on the third class of violations and it concerns the violation of restrictions in certain routes for certain categories of vehicles, as well as violation of the provisions on compulsory wearing of the helmet for motorcycle drivers or passengers. The same penalties are applied in case of parking on an emergency strip without a cause or using the mobile, in addition to the use of headphones while driving.
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• The last category concern the fourth class irregularities whose fine can reach up to 6000 Algerian Dinars deal with the violation of the one way streets and no entry ones as well as priorities at the cross roads and overtaking.
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