He alcohol consumption It is one of the main factors that affect the road accidents In Guatemala, especially the Friday and weekendsaccording to official statistics.
Accidents caused by alcohol intake are also very associated with the speedingwhich implies a breach of public security standards.
Every weekend, firefighters usually report a series of accidents, while hospitals emergencies They allocate an important part of their resources to the care of patients resulting seriously injured In these cases.
The incidence is such that the care centers reach their capacity. As for drivers or passengers, including third parties, they suffer serious injuries that can Mark them for life.
Fine for drunk driving in Guatemala
In accordance with legal regulations, driving in a state of drunkenness is a serious infraction that entails significant sanctions.
According to him Article 157 of the Criminal Code, Fines for this infraction range from Q5 thousand and Q25 thousandin addition to the suspension of the driver’s license for a period of three months to five years.
Also read: What is guilty homicide in Guatemala and how old is the penalty
It is important to note that, in cases of recidivism, penalties can increase in a third. If the drunk driver causes injuries to other people, the prison sentence may vary between three and five years.
In addition to the aforementioned sanctions, the Traffic Law states that the corresponding authority can retain the driver’s license if the motorist is located Under the influence of alcohol or drugs that limit their abilities.
Other related sanctions
In addition to what is described, the articles and regulations that regulate the infractions related to drunk driving in Guatemala are detailed:
- Driving drunkenness or under the influence of drugs:
- Criminal Code: Article 157.
- Sanction: Fine of Q5 thousand to Q25 thousand and suspension of the driver’s license from three months to five years.
- Refuse to perform the breathalyzer test:
- Traffic Law: Article 43, subsection a).
- Sanction: Retaining the driver’s license.
- Driving without license or licensed suspended:
- Traffic Law: Article 183.
- Sanction: Q400 fine.
- Cause a traffic accident under the purpose of alcohol:
- Criminal Code: Article 157.
- Sanction: In addition to those mentioned, it may include criminal responsibility and payment of compensation to the victims.
- Flee from the accident place:
- Criminal Code: Article 264.
- Sanction: Reduces house arrest criteria before possible criminal charges.
- Recidivism in driving under alcohol:
- Criminal Code: Article 157.
- Sanction: Increase in sanction by up to 50% and possible definitive suspension of the license in cases of repeated infractions.
- Document alteration or attempt to bribe to authorities:
- Criminal Code: Article 355.
- Sanction: Fine and possible criminal charges for falsification of documents or bribery.