Belgrade legal experts warn against social media shaming for illegal parking

In Belgrade, social media groups have emerged where users post photos and videos of vehicles parked illegally to highlight traffic issues. However, legal experts warn that this practice of public shaming and arbitrary punishment does not constitute a legal solution to traffic violations.

Lawyer Nemanja Rodić stated that filming and publishing such content, particularly when license plates are visible, may violate privacy rights. He noted that individuals capturing these images cannot determine the context of the violation; a driver might have left a vehicle due to a medical emergency or mechanical failure. Rodić emphasized that only competent authorities have the right to determine if a violation occurred and if a penalty is warranted.

Furthermore, exposing license plates can reveal sensitive information regarding a driver's location and activities to the general public. While the unauthorized publication of such footage can carry legal consequences, Rodić noted that criminal complaints regarding these privacy breaches are rarely prosecuted as authorities often prioritize more urgent matters.