As of May, the Traffic Police applied 8,300 DUI tests, according to the Ministry of Public Transports.

 

According to police, officers identified 1,000 positive DUI drivers with more than 0.75 grams of alcohol in their systems. These drivers committed the "A-Level" fine. They were arrested and their vehicles were impounded. Drivers also have to pay a fine of approximately $500, plus take a penalty of 6 points on their driving record.

When a driver is penalized with 6 points on their driving record, they are forced to retake the driving course and score a minimum of 80 points out of 100 to renew their driver’s license.

Police stopped and fined 148 more drivers with blood alcohol results between 0.20 and 0.75 grams. They were not arrested but must pay the same $500 fine plus the penalty of 6 points on their driving record.

 

A total of 167 drivers tested with a very low blood-alcohol level. They did not receive any sanction.

According to the ministry, the money generated with the payment of the fines is used to cover the Traffic Police expenses, road safety campaign expenses, maintain the road traffic signs and aid the Red Cross among others.

The Road Safety Council, the public organization in charge of registering fines for infractions of the Traffic Law, has set up a line (in the Spanish language) to allow inquiries about penalized points on the driver's license.

Also, police targeted more than 18,000 people who received a fine for reckless driving, such as failing to stop at a red light, wrongful parking, speeding and carrying children without the proper safety devices, among others.

Additionally, police reported over 200 traffic accident deaths from January to May.

Last year, more than 300 people died in traffic accidents. 

Traffic Police officers urge people to report suspects of speeding to the police by dialing the 911 emergency line.

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What is the death rate in road accidents in your country? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com