Algiers, January 21, 2026 – The Council of the Nation (Senate) has expressed reservations regarding eleven articles within the proposed traffic law, specifically those pertaining to custodial sentences in cases of unintentional manslaughter that carry a criminal character.
The reservations stem from objections raised concerning the proposed increase in penalties and the higher levels of fines outlined in the legal text. The articles in question are 104, 119, 121, 124, 125, 127, 128, 129, 161, 166, and 170.
Senators voted on 179 articles of the law, while withholding their vote on the aforementioned eleven. These articles will now be subject to legal and constitutional procedures, including review by a joint committee comprised of members from both the National People’s Assembly and the Council of the Nation.
This action is based on the provisions of Article 145 of the Constitution, as well as Chapter Three of Organic Law No. 16-12, which governs the organization and operation of the National People’s Assembly and the Council of the Nation.
The review process aims to potentially remove the criminal element from the contested provisions of the traffic law, potentially leading to amendments that address the concerns raised by the Senate. The next steps will involve deliberations within the joint committee to reach a consensus on the contentious articles and ensure the final version of the law aligns with constitutional principles and legislative intent.
