Traffic Law Amendment: Enhanced Provisions and Penalties Effective Soon

A new decree, Decree-Law No. (5) of 2025, has been issued to amend key provisions of Decree-Law No. 67 of 1976 regarding traffic regulations. This decree will come into effect three months after its publication in the Official Gazette. Below is a summary of the significant amendments introduced:

Key Provisions of the Decree

1. Mandatory Insurance for Licensing
   All motor vehicles must have valid insurance covering civil liability for the license duration. The Minister of Interior will establish regulations concerning insurance requirements, tariffs, and settlement conditions.
2. License Plate Requirements
   Vehicles must display two plates, with specific rules for trailers. The plates must remain visible and unaltered. Details on plate types, fees, and usage rights will be determined by the Minister of Interior.
3. Vehicle Licensing Limits
   The Minister of Interior may impose limits on the number of licensed vehicles and set tariffs for taxis and other transportation vehicles.
4. Driving Learning Permits
   Individuals must secure a learning permit before learning to drive. Regulations will outline the process, duration, fees, and training locations.
5. License Suspension and Retraining
   First-time driving licenses may be revoked for repeated violations within the first year. Retraining or awareness courses may be required for reinstatement.

Penalties for Violations

1. General Violations (Article 33)
   Offenders may face up to three months’ imprisonment, fines between 150 and 300 dinars, or both, for violations such as:
   • Driving without a valid license.
   • Failing to yield to emergency vehicles.
   • Using distracting handheld devices while driving.
   • Operating vehicles emitting excessive noise or harmful substances.
2. Severe Offenses (Article 33 bis)
   Penalties for severe infractions include imprisonment of 1-3 years and fines between 600 and 1,000 dinars. Examples include:
   • Running a red light or speeding.
   • Driving against traffic on highways.
   • Unauthorized vehicle racing or reckless driving.
   • Illegally parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.

Vehicle Confiscation
For certain severe offenses, the court may order vehicle confiscation, transferring ownership to the Ministry of Interior.

This amendment aligns with broader legislative goals to enhance road safety, improve traffic management, and ensure stricter accountability for traffic violations.