DZWatch Exclusive: December 1, 2025 – A sweeping overhaul of Algeria’s traffic laws is on the horizon, with a new draft law proposing unprecedented penalties and a broader scope of criminalization in an effort to curb the alarming rise in road accident fatalities. The proposed legislation outlines specific penalties and responsibilities for individuals and entities involved in traffic violations, while also introducing new offenses.
The draft law focuses on several key areas, including:
Driving Offenses and Penalties: The most significant changes relate to penalties for negligent homicide resulting from reckless driving or failure to comply with traffic regulations. Any driver found guilty of causing death due to negligence, recklessness, or violation of traffic laws could face imprisonment ranging from one to five years, along with fines ranging from DZD 100,000 to DZD 500,000. Penalties are significantly harsher when the offense involves heavy vehicles, public transportation, freight transport, school transport, or taxis, with imprisonment ranging from three to seven years and fines from DZD 300,000 to DZD 700,000. In aggravated circumstances, penalties can reach up to twenty years imprisonment and fines of DZD 2,000,000.
Aggravated Offenses: The draft law explicitly states that individuals committing offenses under the influence of drugs, psychotropic substances, or alcohol will not be eligible for mitigating circumstances. Furthermore, the law mandates stricter oversight through mandatory medical tests and periodic, unannounced examinations for professional drivers.
Attempted Misdemeanors: The new law stipulates that attempting to commit intentional misdemeanors will be punished with the same penalties as the completed crime.
Corporate Liability: The draft law holds corporate entities criminally and civilly liable for offenses committed using vehicles owned, leased, or under their control. Those responsible for road construction and maintenance will also be held civilly liable for accidents resulting from negligence or failure to adhere to technical standards.
Collusion involving driving schools or inspectors in issuing licenses or professional certificates outside the legal framework is also criminalized. The proposed law aims to create a safer road environment by deterring reckless behavior and ensuring accountability at all levels.
