Drivers found with half a promille of alcohol in their blood, which had been allowed until now, will pay a fine of 500-1,500 Croatian kuna ($85-250). If the blood alcohol level is higher, the fine will increase to $300-450, and in addition, the driver risks losing their license for a period of three to six months.
Anyone fined more than twice in two years faces a two-month prison sentence and loss of their license for one to two years. The minimum fine for traffic violations will increase from the current 50 kuna (less than $10) to 300 (about $50). Novice drivers will be banned from exceeding a certain speed for two years. When driving at night, young drivers will be required to have a companion over the age of 25. Under the law, issued licenses will lose validity once the driver turns 80.
Speed limits outside populated areas will be increased. However, exceeding them may even result in imprisonment. Speeding by just 10 km per hour incurs a $50 fine. Drivers will also be fined for driving too slowly.
As local media believe, the law will eventually be softened, as it damages the interests of the restaurant and hotel business in Croatia. The new traffic rules will most likely remain in force for several months.
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