Combatting Repeat Driving Offences: CD&V Advocates for Stricter Penalties for Driving Without a License
By D.SW.
The issue of repeat offences is clearly engaging parliamentarians, even before the official start of the legislative session. Two CD&V MPs, Tine Gielis and Nawal Farih, are presenting their proposal, as they are part of the anticipated future federal majority.
They have submitted their bill to parliament. This text aims to extend existing rules regarding repeat offences in road safety law to certain violations: driving without an alcohol ignition interlock device mandated for the driver; operating a vehicle despite being disqualified; and allowing a person without a valid driving license to use a vehicle.
“A study by the Vias Institute shows that implementing an interlock breathalyzer decreases the likelihood of repeat offences by at least 75%,” they state. “It is even more effective than merely disqualifying drivers from operating vehicles, as the repeat offence rate for those with an interlock breathalyzer is 65 to 90% lower than for those who have lost their driving privileges. The legislator has harmonized the penalties for these two offences, but penalties for repeat offences remain misaligned. We hope to see prison sentences and fines doubled for repeat offences occurring within three years.”
Similar to Alcohol Offences
The Road Traffic Act penalizes driving without a valid license with a prison sentence ranging from eight days to two years and/or a fine between €200 and €2,000. This offender may also face a temporary driving ban lasting from eight days to five years. “We observe that the current penalties do not sufficiently deter these offenders; we seek stronger penalties for repeat offences, analogous to those for alcohol and drug violations.”
Moreover, anyone who allows another individual to use their vehicle must ensure that the person holds a valid license for that vehicle. If not, they may incur a fine between €100 and €1,000. “The law currently only punishes this offence with a fine. A judge may only mandate the forfeiture of driving rights after three prior convictions,” explain the two elected officials who advocate allowing the judge to enforce a minimum driving ban of eight days after the first conviction.
Fight Against Repeat Driving Offences: CD&V Wants Tougher Penalties for Driving Without a Licence
The fight against repeat driving offences has gained significant attention from parliamentarians, particularly among members of the CD&V party. As part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety, two notable CD&V MPs, Tine Gielis and Nawal Farih, have presented a compelling bill aimed at intensifying penalties for those who repeatedly drive without a valid license.
Legislative Proposals for Tougher Penalties
The proposed legislation seeks to expand the scope of the existing road safety laws to cover several critical infractions. These include:
- Driving without the mandated alcohol ignition interlock device
- Driving despite being disqualified from holding a driving license
- Permitting a vehicle to be used by an individual without a valid license
According to the MPs, “A study by the Vias Institute shows that imposing an interlock breathalyzer reduces the risk of repeat offences by at least 75%.” This statistic underscores the urgency of reforming current laws. The proposal highlights that the repeat offence rate for drivers subjected to an interlock breathalyzer is reported to be between 65% and 90% lower than for those merely disqualified.
Aligning Penalties for Repeat Offences
At present, the penalties for driving without a valid license encompass a prison term of 8 days to 2 years and/or fines between €200 and €2,000. Additionally, offenders may face temporary driving bans ranging from 8 days to 5 years. Gielis and Farih emphasize that these existing penalties have not proven sufficiently deterrent, urging for penalties to be harmonized to align with those in cases of repeat alcohol or drug-related offences.
Proposed Changes to Penalties
The proposed reforms call for:
- Doubling of prison sentences and fines for repeat offenders within a three-year timeframe
- More stringent measures against individuals who knowingly allow unlicensed individuals to operate their vehicles
Understanding Offences Related to Licensing
To further elucidate the problem of unlicensed driving, the Road Traffic Act currently imposes a maximum fine of €1,000 solely for allowing someone without a valid license to drive one’s vehicle. This penalty is seemingly insufficient, prompting calls for enhancements. The bill proposed by the CD&V aims to enable judges to impose broader penalties, including the forfeiture of the right to drive immediately upon the first conviction, instead of waiting until three prior offences have been recorded.
Key Strikes Against Repeat Offending
If passed, the proposed legislation is set to:
- Increase criminal liability for driving without a license
- Enhance public safety on roads
- Establish new benchmarks in the deterrence of road traffic offences
Benefits of Stricter Penalties
Implementing tougher restrictions can lead to numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Road Safety: Stricter penalties can deter chronic offenders from taking to the roads without a license.
- Public Confidence: Boosting public perception of safety on the roads encourages responsible driving behaviours.
- Improved Compliance: A more stringent approach to penalties may compel more individuals to comply with licensing regulations.
Practical Tips for Safe Driving
While legislative measures are being discussed, individuals can take personal responsibility by adhering to the following tips:
- Always ensure your driving license is valid before driving a vehicle.
- Stay informed about the penalties associated with driving offences.
- If you know someone unlicensed, avoid lending them your vehicle.
Case Studies Highlighting the Need for Change
Real-life examples serve to underscore the growing urgency of reform, with recent studies revealing alarming rates of repeat driving offences. For instance, a recent survey by the police department indicated that offenders who had already been disqualified were 50% more likely to be involved in traffic accidents, emphasizing the need for robust preventive measures.
First-Hand Experience from Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officials have expressed concerns over the rising tide of repeat offenders. “It’s frustrating when we encounter the same individuals repeatedly, knowing they pose a significant risk to themselves and to other road users,” stated Chief Inspector Lara Van Dahlen. “Implementing stricter penalties could act as a game-changer for road safety.”
Conclusion
As discussions concerning the bill progress, it is clear that the CD&V’s proposal could be a pivotal step toward combatting repeat driving offences. The envisaged consequences not only aim to reduce the frequency of unlicensed driving but also create a safer driving environment for all road users. It remains to be seen how these proposed changes will be communicated and implemented across the legislative landscape.
