Traffic safety expert Salama Kouach has asserted that the penalties outlined in the proposed new traffic law are sufficient to deter violations and curb the circulation of substandard auto parts.
In a statement to DZWatch, Kouach emphasized that counterfeit auto parts contribute significantly to traffic accidents. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts among relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Commerce, to seize and prevent the entry of these parts, which compromise road safety and security.
Regarding violations related to vehicle technical inspections, Kouach suggested that such transgressions could stem from either the inspection agencies themselves or drivers. He explained that inspection reports are sometimes issued for vehicles unfit for operation due to serious technical defects.
“Some drivers resort to borrowing wheels or specific parts solely for the technical inspection, only to remove them afterward,” Kouach stated. “This results in a seemingly valid inspection report, while the vehicle is, in reality, riddled with technical flaws that endanger road users. This falls under the fraudulent practices that the new law aims to address rigorously.”
Kouach highlighted the alarming trend of drivers using counterfeit or used auto parts due to their lack of quality standards and the significant risk they pose on roads. He noted that many accidents are attributed to these parts, even though accident reports often cite driver error as the primary cause. The underlying issue, he argued, is often the use of substandard parts that impair vehicle performance.
Article 156 of the proposed traffic law stipulates imprisonment from three to five years and fines ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 Algerian dinars for anyone who manufactures, imports, sells, or places counterfeit or non-compliant vehicle parts on the market, knowing their status. The penalty increases to imprisonment from four to six years and fines ranging from 400,000 to 600,000 Algerian dinars if these counterfeit or non-compliant parts directly cause a traffic accident resulting in injury to one or more individuals. In cases of death, the penalties are even more severe.
The new law aims to create a safer road environment for all.
