A new Traffic Law went into effect in Honduras on March 29, 2006.

The law specifies three types of traffic infractions: Serious Violations, Less Serious Violations, and Minor Violations and under the new law, there will be very steep fines as part of the penalty for traffic violations which will be based on the prevailing minimum wage, which is subject to change.

Serious Violations will require a fine equal to 1/3 of the minimum wage salary at its highest scale;
Less Serious Violations require a payment equal to 1/4 of the minimum wage salary at its highest scale; and Minor Violations will be sanctioned with a fine equal to 1/6 of the minimum wage salary at its highest scale.

Here are some examples of typical infractions and the current penalties under the new law:
• Driving while intoxicated – 1,466 Lempiras and cancellation of license for six months.
• Driving while using a cellular phone – 977.70 Lempiras
• Driving without registration – 977.70 Lempiras
• Driving with a suspended license – 977.70 Lempiras, impounding of vehicle, and arrest.
• Driving without a valid license – 733.28 Lempiras.
• Smoking while driving – 733.27 Lempiras
• Running a red light – 733.27 Lempiras
• Driving with children under 12 years of age in the front car seat – 733.27 Lempiras
• Driving without using a seat belt – 733.27 Lempiras
• Parking violations – 488.85 Lempiras
• Driving without a spare tire, tools, and warning triangular signals – 488.85 Lempiras

Where can I obtain more information about the new law?

The complete law is available in a booklet that you may purchase at any Department of Motor Vehicles (Transito) office in Honduras at a cost of 40 Lempiras.

American citizens with questions about this message may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Consulate via e-mail at: usahonduras@state.gov or they may obtain general information of interest via the Embassy web page at: http://honduras.usembassy.gov.

The State Department disseminates information to U.S. citizens overseas through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://www.travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security and other conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll- free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.