Syria completes 95% of new draft traffic law

Syria's Minister of Transport, Yarub Badr, announced that over 95% of a new draft traffic law has been completed. The project, developed by a multi-disciplinary team of experts and various ministries, is prepared for submission to the People's Assembly to replace the existing outdated vehicle and traffic laws.

The new legislation aims to modernize transport regulations by introducing vehicle classifications, updated registration rules, and enhanced driver training through Ministry of Transport-supervised driving schools. It also mandates specific additional licenses for high-risk professions, such as transporting students, inter-provincial passenger transport, and the hauling of hazardous or flammable materials.

To ensure deterrence, the law maintains both financial fines and imprisonment for serious violations. For offenses like running red lights or exceeding speed limits by more than 40 km/h, drivers may face one to three months of imprisonment. Maximum fines for major violations are set at 60,000 new Syrian pounds (approximately 500 USD), while minor infractions will range between 5,000 and 10,000 new pounds.

This reform aligns with the United Nations General Assembly's second decade of action for road safety, aiming to reduce traffic-related fatalities by 50% by 2030, with an interim goal of a 10% reduction by 2027.