As of August 7, new amendments to the Highway Code have entered into force, which bring stricter measures for drivers who violate traffic rules.
The Director of the Traffic Police, Perlat Vatoci, presented the changes and appealed for more responsibility on the roads.
One of the strongest measures is related to driving without a driver's license. People caught driving without a license have their right to obtain a driver's license postponed for up to 1 year, while for minors this period is extended to 2 years.
Measures against driving under the influence of alcohol are also being significantly tightened.
The driver's license is permanently revoked when a driver has more than 0.5 g/l of alcohol in their blood, if they have previously been found and punished for driving under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated.
According to the Traffic Police, the measure aims to address the number of accidents with serious consequences related to driving under the influence of alcohol.
Other changes affect aggressive and dangerous behavior on the roads, especially in urban areas, near schools, intersections, and junctions.
For such violations, including failure to regulate speed on roads with limited visibility, frequent lane changes without signaling, and maneuvers that endanger other road users, the fine has been increased from 20,000 to 60,000 lek.
Using a mobile phone while driving is no longer only punishable for drivers.
The new code also provides for sanctions for using a phone while driving bicycles, motorcycles up to 50 cc, and motorized skateboards.
Meanwhile, the rule for repeat violations has also been tightened for drivers: the license is suspended after two penalties within the same year for using the phone, up from three violations that were previously required.
Police consider cell phone use one of the main factors leading to loss of control over the vehicle and accidents.
Special measures have also been imposed for people who have obtained their license within the last 24 months.
Special rules regarding driving under the influence of alcohol are provided for this category, as well as specific speed limits.
Another important change is the removal of the possibility to avoid license suspension by paying an amount equal to twice the maximum fine.
Until August 7, in some cases, a driver who was punished with a fine and license suspension could choose to pay double the maximum administrative measure, avoiding the suspension.
This option has been removed. In cases where the Code provides for the suspension of a driving license, it is now automatically suspended.
The Traffic Police have announced that structures across the country have been informed of the changes and have been instructed to implement them.
Police have appealed to drivers not to exceed the speed limit, not to drive under the influence of alcohol, not to use the phone at the wheel and to avoid overtaking or dangerous maneuvers. /TCH
