Proposed Traffic Law Amendments in Latvia Regarding Penalty Points
The CSDD has unveiled a revised system of traffic penalty points aimed at promoting road safety by penalising not just isolated infractions, but repeated unsafe behaviour. The new regulations, which come into effect soon, will see a shift in the point allocation for various offences, with a focus on escalating points and consequences over defined time frames.
Under the new system, speeding offences will generally result in one penalty point for speeds up to 20 km/h over the limit, but exceeding 100 mph can result in 2 points for a first offence. For drivers who speed between 11 km/h and 20 km/h, no penalty points will be imposed for the first time, according to the current regulations. However, for speeds between 21 km/h and 30 km/h, two points will now be given instead of one. Similarly, the number of points for speeding between 21 km/h and 40 km/h will increase by one. For speeds over 71 km/h, the number of penalty points will increase from five to eight.
In addition to speeding, other offences such as not using compulsory third-party liability insurance (OCTA) will also result in one penalty point. Drivers who are caught driving without a state roadworthiness test will now receive one penalty point instead of two.
The threshold for license suspensions remains the same, with drivers facing suspension if they accumulate 4, 6, or 8 points within 1, 2, or 3 years respectively. Minors (under 18) are subject to stricter rules, with license suspension upon accumulating 3 points within 1 year or failing to pay fines.
Serious offences such as speeding while under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving will carry points that remain on record for up to 10 years. These offences will continue to attract stricter penalties, including fines, license suspension, or disqualification.
It is also worth noting that points from speeding tickets remain valid on the driving record for 3 years; after that, they no longer count against the driver, and tickets may be removed entirely after 3 years and 3 months upon request.
Under the proposed changes, a written warning will be issued if a driver accumulates four points. Drivers who accumulate eight points will be referred to a course which must be attended within six months. For drivers who accumulate 16 penalty points, a one-year driving ban will be imposed.
The draft CSDD regulation also proposes increased penalty points for overtaking offences, infringements near railways, using the phone while driving, insufficient tire tread depth, and others. Penalty points are valid for two years from the moment they are applied, but if an offence is committed for which eight points are given, they are valid for five years.
The new regulations are part of the CSDD's commitment to improving road safety and making the roads safer for everyone. By focusing on a tiered points system, the CSDD hopes to encourage responsible driving and deter dangerous behaviour on the roads.
The revised traffic penalty points system highlights the allocation adjustments for speeding offenses, with speeds between 21 km/h and 30 km/h now earning two points, contrasting the single point given previously. Additionally, the system includes penalties for lack of compulsory third-party liability insurance (OCTA) and driving without a state roadworthiness test, resulting in one penalty point each.
