Georgia is preparing to tighten penalties for traffic violations: the parliament is considering a large package of amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses, which will affect most common situations on the road.
The main innovation is a fine of 100 GEL for parking on sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. If the driver is absent or refuses to move the car, the mayor's office will have the right to evacuate the car to the impound lot and notify the owner. In addition, municipal services will now determine the cost of evacuation and storage, as well as issue a fine for improper parking.
Existing sanctions are also being increased: in the largest cities and resorts of the country, the fine for parking in prohibited places will increase from 10 to 50 GEL. A separate fine of 200 GEL is introduced for driving in the oncoming lane dedicated to public transport. For individuals, sanctions of up to 2,000 GEL are provided for polluting roads, violating the rules for construction work, the absence of measures to restrict traffic in dangerous areas, and the organization of street trading. These measures, according to the authorities, should bring order both in cities and on highways.
Other common violations are also being significantly revised. Failure to use a seat belt will increase to 50 GEL, talking on the phone while driving - also to 50. Driving without a license or without technical documents will become more expensive: the fine will increase from 10 to 100 GEL. Driving a faulty car - 50 GEL instead of 15. For speeding from 15 to 40 km/h, you will now have to pay 100 GEL, and violation of markings, signs or maneuvers - 50 or 100 GEL, depending on the category of the offense. The new package actually tightens the entire range of traffic fines and will be the most serious revision of traffic rules in Georgia in recent years.
