Ecuador approves traffic law reforms affecting driving schools

The National Assembly of Ecuador has approved a package of reforms to the Traffic Law, which now awaits ratification or observation by President Daniel Noboa. The reforms introduce several changes to mobility and road safety regulations.

A central component of the reform requires the Agency of Regulation and Control of Transport to conduct a national evaluation and categorization of all existing professional and non-professional driving schools within one year. This evaluation will assess infrastructure, equipment, curriculum, operational capacity, instructor numbers, and compliance history. During this evaluation period, the approval of new driving school applications will be suspended.

Other key provisions include increased National Police oversight in border zones to prevent criminal activity, and a requirement for public and commercial transport operators to maintain personal accident insurance for passengers. Additionally, the reform modifies the process for drivers to recover license points, allowing those with 15 points or fewer to recover up to 15 points through a course, limited to one recovery per year.