The new Highway Code that came into effect on September 13 brings radical changes to fines and penalties for drivers. With the integration of digital technologies and automated control systems, authorities aim to drastically reduce traffic accidents that affect our country daily.
Traffic code: digital controls and automated penalties
The technological revolution in road safety includes the installation of smart cameras that detect violations in real time. Citations are now sent automatically to violators, while modern detection methods are established that cover both alcohol and other substances.
Mobile phone use: drastic changes in penalties
Using a mobile phone while driving is now one of the most severely punished violations. For the first time, cases with and without causing an accident are distinguished.
Without causing an incident: €350 fine and license suspension for 30 days. The first repeat offense incurs a €1,000 fine with license suspension for 180 days, while the second reaches €2,000 with suspension for one year.
With causing an incident: penalties intensify dramatically. The first repeat offense provides for a €2,000 fine and license suspension for 4 years, while the second reaches €4,000 with suspension for 8 years. Additionally, article 290A of the Penal Code for dangerous driving applies.
Safety measures: helmet and seatbelt
Violations regarding basic protective measures are now punished with a uniform €350 fine and license suspension for 30 days. A significant innovation is the extension of responsibility to passengers, who are punished independently, while simultaneously a penalty is imposed on the driver.
Drunk driving: graduated penalties
The new regime distinguishes three levels of alcohol impairment with corresponding penalties:
• Level 0.50-0.80 g/l: €350 fine, license suspension 30 days
• Level 0.80-1.10 g/l: €700 fine, license suspension 90 days
• Level above 1.10 g/l: €1,200 fine, license suspension 180 days, imprisonment 2 months to 5 years
In all cases, mandatory immobilization and custody of the vehicle is provided.
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h is punished with a €700 fine and license suspension for 60 days. Particularly strict are the penalties for speeds above 200 km/h or participation in speed races, with a €2,000 fine and license suspension for one year.
Traffic signal violations and driving without a license
Traffic light violations maintain the €700 fine with license suspension for 60 days. Conversely, STOP sign violations differ depending on whether an accident is caused or not, with fines from €350 to €700.
Driving without a license now constitutes a serious offense with a €1,000 fine, license suspension for one year and imprisonment up to two years.
The new provisions strengthen the protection of public transport and people with disabilities. Railway obstruction is punished with a €1,200 fine and imprisonment up to five years, while bus obstruction incurs a €350 fine and license suspension for 70 days.
Parking in disabled spaces continues to be punished with license and plate removal for 60 days, while an increased €150 fine and immediate vehicle removal is added.
Repeat offenses:
1st repeat offense: €1,000 fine, license suspension for 180 days.
2nd repeat offense: €2,000 fine, license suspension for 1 year.
Speed limits
What applied: General speed limit 50 km/h within residential areas.
Special speed limits were determined case by case with signage.
What will apply:
Until January 1, 2026, the general 50 km/h limit is maintained.
From 2026, new speed limits apply, depending on road type, unless otherwise specified by signage.
