State law until the end of July - The details
The pressure of the Police for an increase in the penalties for the violations of the Road Traffic Code is intense, but the 7 bills with penalties that will "break bones" will become a state law by the end of July. As we are informed, the bills will be submitted to the Plenary Session of the Parliament next Friday, July 24, 2020. '
However, the new legislation will be implemented from October 1, 2020, in order to enable the Authorities, but also the citizens to adapt to the new "hard" data. In the next two months, in addition to enlightening the citizens about the news, the existing measures will apply. It is noted that the situation reached the point of no return after within 7.5 months 21 people lost their lives in 21 fatalities.
There is complete unanimity between the parties, even if, as we have been informed in recent days, there is an intention by some parties to put a number of amendments, which change some facts but not the essence of the bills.
Speaking to Offsite, the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, George Prokopiou, told us that "everything is over, but some procedural issues do not allow us to submit the bills tomorrow, Friday." changes.
Mr. Prokopiou stressed that in the law there will be a transitional period, since after the vote a reasonable period will be given for the citizens to "try" it.
Out of court with a new extension
As stated by the chairman of the Transport Committee, there is an agreement that a provision be submitted to the Plenary Session so that out-of-court settlements of 100 euros or more can be paid within a month and not within 15 days that is valid until now. It is noted that after 15 days the out-of-court settlement is increased by one and a half times and then the case is referred to the Court.
The new penalties concern the following:
Mobile phone use: The existing penalty is 85 euros and is converted for the first violation to 150 euros and then increases to 300 euros over a period of 3 years.
Non-use of seat belt: The existing penalty is 85 euros and is converted for the first violation to 150 euros and then increases to 300 euros over a period of 3 years.
Non-use of a protective helmet: The existing penalty is 85 euros and is converted for the first violation to 200 euros and then increased to 400 euros over a period of 3 years
Traffic light violation: The current penalty is 85 euros and is converted to 300 in 3 years
Parking in a disabled area: The existing penalty is 85 euros and converts to 300 euros.
Double yellow parking: The existing penalty is 65 euros and converts to 100 euros.
Crossing a pedestrian crossing: The existing fine of 65 euros is converted to 200 euros.
For driving under the influence of alcohol the out-of-court settlements will be as follows: From 22mg -35 mg 125 euros from 36mg-55mg 250 euros from 56mg-70mg 500 euros from 71 mg and above the case is referred to the Court.
Overtaking in a straight white line: The existing penalty of 65 euros is converted into 150 euros.
The Transport Committee also came up with the handling of cases concerning speeding, since there are prices depending on the kilometers. However, there will be flexibility for the speed limit of up to 120 km on interurban roads. Exceeding the speed limit will then be penalized in stages, except for penalty points.
In addition, illegally parked vehicles will be towed.
Source: Offsite