Moldovan government approves tougher sanctions for drivers not offering pedestrians

Chisinau, 05 June /MOLDPRES/ – The drivers failing to let way to pedestrians and cyclists will pay higher fines. At first offence, drivers will pay MDL 600 – 1,200 with application of 3 penalty points. At present, a fine of up MDL 300 is imposed for that violation, with application of 2 penalty points. For repeated deviation during a calendar year, fine could reach MDL 3,000, applying 6 penalty points.

The government has today approved positive legislative changes to increase accountability of drivers, prevent road accidents and exclude activities that distract trafficking, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.

Similarly, drivers will not be allowed to use mobile phones while driving. They will also be unable to use similar devices for phone calls, will not be able to browse web platforms, use camera or video, read or write texts. It is estimated that drivers sending or receiving messages are distracted from traffic on average 04 – 06 seconds. As to increase level of traffic safety, provisions will also apply to drivers of animal traction vehicles and cyclists.

For such violations, it will be imposed a fine of MDL 600 and 3 penalty points. The fine will not be applied if phone call was made by hands – free device or in case of calls to emergency services. Also, it will be allowed use of GPS navigation devices.

According to National Patrol Inspectorate (INP), 2,640 road accidents were reported in 2017, out of which 358 were caused by failure of pedestrian priority, and 106 were due to imprudent driving, including use of mobile telephones.