Summary
Highlights
Road safety education is defined as the body of knowledge and norms aimed at training the general population on how to navigate public roads safely, whether as pedestrians, passengers, or drivers. The state owns and regulates public roads, and everyone has the right to circulate on them.
To drive on public roads, it is necessary to have a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a vehicle inspection certificate. All these documents must be current.
Driver's licenses begin with 30 points. Points can be reduced due to infractions. A license is valid for 5 years and then must be renewed. Loss of points leads to license suspension and mandatory recovery courses.
There are three categories of licenses: non-professional (Type A, B, F), professional (Type A1, C1, C, D, E, G), and special (international driving permit). Each type permits the driving of specific vehicle categories, from motorcycles to heavy commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery.
Losing all 30 points results in a 60-day license suspension and a mandatory recovery course to regain 15 points. Further point losses lead to longer suspensions (120 days, 1 year, and finally 5 years) and additional mandatory courses or re-application for the license.
The Organic Comprehensive Criminal Code outlines traffic violations. Examples include driving without a license, disrespecting traffic authorities, and exceeding speed limits. Penalties range from fines and point deductions to imprisonment.
All matriculated vehicles contribute to the SPPAT, which covers various accident-related expenses. This system provides financial aid for deaths ($5,000), permanent or partial disability ($5,000), medical expenses ($3,000), funeral expenses ($400), and transportation of victims ($200).
Vehicle registration is the official document that accredits a motor vehicle's inscription, serving as a mandatory requirement for circulation. It contains essential vehicle and owner information.
All vehicles circulating nationally must undergo a technical inspection. This process ensures safety, reduces environmental pollution, and improves the technical condition of vehicles. Inspections are carried out by authorized municipal governments.
Every vehicle must display two identification plates, one at the front and one at the rear. These plates are regulated and authorized by the National Transit Agency and issued by municipal governments. Provinces are represented by specific letters on the plates, usually the first letter of the province name.