Beware of fines! New rules apply on Sundays. If you do not want to look deep into your pocket, you should not grab the phone while driving.
New legislation expels scooters from sidewalks, introducing novice drivers as a trial period, and parking is also made more precise. What are the most important changes for road users since early December?
1. Stricter penalties for telephone calls
After the new one, it is forbidden not only to make phone calls but also to hold the phone in your hand. This also applies to other devices. Handsfree calling is still allowed. The fine for breach of that prohibition increased from EUR 50 to 100 in block proceedings and from EUR 100 to 200 in the ordinary procedure.
2. On the scooter along the road
A person on a scooter with an auxiliary motor explicitly joins the drivers of non-motorized vehicles. Until now, she was a pedestrian according to regulations. They can only drive on the new pavement at walking speed without endangering pedestrians. Otherwise, they should follow the road according to rules such as cyclists.
3. Rescue alley
Just as abroad, in our country it is already mandatory for drivers to create a rescue alley on the highway. Under strict liability, a fine of EUR 300 for failing to pass a priority road vehicle and for misuse of a rescue aisle and EUR 99 for not creating a rescue aisle is mentioned.
4. On a bicycle without a helmet
For cyclists over 15 years of age, the duty to wear a helmet is removed. This obligation is maintained for children. However, the police recommend the use of a helmet for their safety.
5. Parking on the sidewalk
Legislative change regulates parking on the pavement. It is now clearly stated that parking on the sidewalk is only possible in a place where there is no sidewalk, but you only park on the sidewalk adjacent to the road.
6. The trial period for young drivers
According to the Interior Ministry, young drivers are at risk. “Approximately every fifth road accident in which a participant is killed is caused by a driver with driving experience within two years,” the Interior Ministry said. Under the stricter conditions already in force, if a B driver within two years of his entitlement has seriously breached the traffic rules or exceeds the speed limit, he will have to undergo in-service training, a psychologist program and a police check.
If he/she commits a third offense within two years, he/she shall be detained for a period of six months and shall return the probationary period upon his/her return.
7. Changes in the vehicle registration
Registration of a newly purchased car in the register is also possible electronically. Cops will send documents and number plates to the courier. The police will gradually refrain from printing large forms for registration operations in a standard way (at the traffic inspectorate). They also end up checking VIN numbers.
8. Retention of documents to the car
If a fine is not paid under strict liability and the police stop such a car, they will be able to withhold documents from the vehicle and the number plate, thus preventing the vehicle from being driven until the penalty is paid.
9. Zipping after a new one
Alternating shifting, so-called zipping, will apply not only when driving concurrently before an obstacle to traffic, but also when the lanes converge. So far, drivers have often done this in practice, but they have not had it prescribed by legislation.
Source: www.cas.sk