“The Highway Code also has its (new) limits. Learn them to avoid exceeding them”

The new Highway Code (KOK) has undergone public consultation and will be implemented three months later.

Penalties for most violations will target the driver (fines, license suspension) rather than the “vehicle” (seizure of plates and registration).

The current Highway Code in use today was written in 1999.

The city speed limit is reduced from 50 km/h to 30 km/h – and 20 km/h near schools. The 50 km/h limit remains on one-way streets with 2+ lanes.

Penalties:

• Up to 20 km/h over the limit – €150
• 20-30 km/h over the limit – €150 and 20 days license suspension
• 30+ km/h over the limit – €350 and 30 days license suspension
• 50+ km/h over the limit – €700 and 30 days license suspension

A €350 fine and a 30-day license suspension are also imposed when driving:

• 150 km/h+ on a highway
• 130 km/h+ on a fast road
• 120 km/h+ on other roads

With a large glass of beer, 200 ml of wine, or 55 ml of whiskey, you can reach the upper limit of the breathalyzer test (0.25), although it depends on the individual’s body.

Penalties for exceeding the breathalyzer limit are as follows:

• 0.25 – 0.40 (grams per liter of exhaled air) – €150 and 20 days license suspension
• 0.40 – 0.60 – €700 and 90 days license suspension
• 0.60+ – 2-month prison sentence, €1200 fine, and 180 days license suspension

• If the driver is caught drunk for a second time, the license suspension is €1000 and 180 days.
• 0.60+ – €2000 and license suspension for up to 2 years.
• Third offense, regardless of the amount – license revocation for 7 years.

Violations of the Highway Code are categorized as low-, medium-, and high-risk offenses. Low-risk violations result in a €30 fine and up to 30 days license suspension. Some examples include:

• Running a red pedestrian light by a pedestrian – €30.
• Improperly opening a vehicle door – €30.
• Failure to use or properly use the turn signal before a maneuver – €30 and 10 days license suspension.
• Continuous use of the horn – €30 and 10 days license suspension.

Medium-risk violations result in a €150 fine and up to 50 days of license suspension. Examples include:

• Using the emergency lane (ELA), except in cases of vehicle breakdown or other causes – €150 and 30 days license suspension.
• Stopping or parking a vehicle in a disability access ramp – €150 and 30 days license suspension.

High-risk violations result in fines ranging from €350 to €1500, up to 180 days of license suspension, and imprisonment for up to 12 months.

• Not wearing a seatbelt or helmet (driver) – €350 and 30 days license suspension.
• Using a mobile phone – €350 and 30 days license suspension.
• Running a stop sign – €700 and 30 days license suspension.
• Running a red light – €700 and 30 days license suspension.
• Street racing – €700 and 30 days license suspension.

Penalties primarily target the driver, not the vehicle, but there are cases where vehicle registration plates and details are confiscated.

These cases include:

• Emission of pollutants or noise above the allowed limit – €350, 60 days license suspension, and 30 days confiscation of vehicle registration details.
  
• Tampering or altering vehicle frame and engine identification details – €350, 30 days license suspension, 30 days confiscation of vehicle registration details, and imprisonment.
  
• Driving without vehicle registration – €350 and 30 days license suspension.
  Additionally, if the breathalyzer test shows 0.60+, the vehicle’s registration details will be confiscated for 30 days and other penalties.

Motorcycles will have priority at traffic lights and will be allowed to overtake stopped cars, with a speed limit of 25 km/h. They will also be permitted to park perpendicular to the road rather than parallel.

However, they will not be allowed to maneuver while in motion and must stay within the lane markings.

Reducing the speed limit in cities to 30 km/h, down from 50 km/h, now allows electric scooters (and other two-wheelers with a speed above 6 km/h) to operate in urban areas.

Scooters are subject to strict rules, including a speed limit of 25 km/h, mandatory helmet use, and the requirement to use lights.