Dominican Republic Penal Code introduces up to 20 years for vehicular homicide

Under the new Dominican Republic Penal Code, effective August 2026, drivers responsible for deaths can face prison sentences of up to 20 years. Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso warned that driving under the influence can lead to severe legal consequences beyond fines or license revocation.

The law distinguishes between death caused by imprudence and intentional homicide (homicidio doloso). According to Article 91, established by Law 74-25 and modified by Law 44-26, intentional homicide carries a penalty of 10 to 20 years in prison. This includes cases of 'eventual intent,' where a driver consciously accepts the risk of causing death through extreme behaviors, such as excessive speeding and ignoring traffic signals while intoxicated.

Prosecutors must present evidence to prove that a driver's actions constitute intentional homicide rather than mere imprudence. Being intoxicated does not automatically prove eventual intent; a court must determine if the individual knowingly accepted the lethal risk.