TIRANA, August 7/ATA/ New Road Code changes have entered into effect today to improve road safety and reduce accidents.
Under the amended law, drivers caught driving drunk a second time will lose their licenses forever.
Penalties for driving without a license are also tougher: adults face fines and a waiting period before they can apply for a license, while minors caught driving cannot start driving school until they turn 20.
The updated traffic law introduces stricter rules for drivers. Young drivers face a 90 km/h highway speed limit, with violations costing 5,000 to 15,000 lekë, a one-month license suspension and point deductions. Also, license suspensions can no longer be avoided by paying a double fine. Speeding in residential areas, near schools, or engaging in dangerous road maneuvers carries heavy fines of 20,000 to 60,000 lekë. Additionally, catching a driver using a phone twice in one year leads to a three-month license suspension.
As of today, using a mobile phone while driving is also banned for people on bicycles, small motorcycles, and electric skateboards. /e.i/j.p/r.e/p.s./
