Colombia expands biometric verification for traffic‑fine discounts amid enforcement concerns

Colombia’s traffic‑violation system, known as comparendos, covers offenses such as carrying knives in public, noise disturbances, alcohol consumption in public spaces, violent altercations, littering, and improper handling of dogs. Critics say the lack of automatic monetary penalties weakens the deterrent effect, a point highlighted by Bogotá councilor Samir Bedoya Piraquive, who described the measures as “prevention of crime” rather than punishment.

Starting in August 2026, the government will require drivers to prove their identity through biometric technology—facial recognition, fingerprint matching and official database checks—to qualify for discount reductions on fines. The change is part of the Sistema de Control y Vigilancia (SICOV) and will be rolled out first to Integrated Attention Centers on 3 August and then to Transit Organizations on 16 September. Authorities say the move aims to curb fraud, prevent identity substitution, and improve transparency in the discount process.