The Senate took an important legislative step by approving the call this Wednesday Jacinta Lawa project that tightens the requirements to obtain and maintain a driver’s license in the country. The measure obtained 27 votes in favor and three abstentions, and now must go to its final review in the Chamber of Deputies.
A project marked by tragedy
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The initiative is named in memory of Jacinta Gonzaleza five-month-old baby who lost her life in 2022 while being driven in a car by her parents. The minor was hit by an 80-year-old driver who, despite being diagnosed with stage IV cancer, continued driving without the necessary health conditions.
What modifications does the Jacinta Law introduce?
One of the central changes falls on the Traffic Law: All drivers, regardless of their age, must sign an affidavit ensuring that they do not have disabling or restrictive diseases to drive. These conditions will be detailed in a regulation prepared by the Ministries of Transport and Health.
New municipal procedures
The regulations will also establish how municipalities must verify the physical and psychological fitness of those who apply for or renew any type of driver’s license.
Associated sanctions and fines
Falsely declaring not to have any of the aforementioned diseases will be considered serious violationwith fines that will range between 1 y 1,5 UTM (approximately between $69.542 y $104.313). Additionally, the offender’s license will be cancelled.
Labor immunity for affected families
The Senate also incorporated a labor protection measure: a 30 day jurisdiction for workers who lose a son or daughter in a traffic accident. In the case of fixed-term or project contracts, the jurisdiction will be maintained until the duration of the contract.
This provision must be ratified in the third step by the Chamber of Deputies.
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Other measures contemplated
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Minors may only travel as companions on motorcycles from the 12 yearsas long as they reach the footrest and are located behind the driver.
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The amount of the SOAP in case of death and medical expenses, going from 300 a 600 UTMand of 200 a 400 UTM in situations of permanent partial disability.
