President Leonel Fernández passed the new traffic law that establishes stronger penalties for drivers responsible for car crashes. Law 114-99, modifies Law 241, and establishes fines of RD$2,000-RD$8,000 and jail sentences of two to five years for those responsible for causing the death of another in a car crash. Jail penalties are contemplated for those involved in a car crash that do not have a driver’s license, or whose driver’s license is not valid. Also for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, for speeding, reckless driving, driving a vehicle not adequately lit or incorrect parking that may cause a crash, jail penalties will be levied. Penalties of nine months to three years in jail, and fines of RD$700-RD$3,000 are set for those causing permanent injuries to others. Likewise, penalties of three months to a year and fines of RD$300 to RD$1,000 are for those causing injuries that may result in a work loss of 10-20 days. And penalties of RD$100 to RD$700 for those cause injuries that may result in a work loss of up to 10 days.
