The Algerian Council of the Nation (Senate) has unanimously approved the new traffic law. However, senators expressed reservations regarding eleven specific articles, which will now be referred to a joint committee for further review.
During the session, the rapporteur of the Equipment and Local Development Committee stated that while the Senate appreciates the general direction and comprehensive approach of the new traffic law, concerns remain about certain provisions. Senators emphasized the need to revise articles that retain a criminal character, arguing that their current wording requires reconsideration to ensure consistency with the state’s penal policy.
The reservations primarily aim to remove the criminal aspect from several provisions and revise the proposed penalties and fines. The goal is to achieve a reasonable balance between deterrence and prevention, effectively regulating traffic without excessive criminalization.
The contested articles are numbers 104, 119, 121, 124, 125, 127, 128, 129, 161, 166, and 170. A joint committee comprising representatives from both the National People’s Assembly and the Council of the Nation will be established to examine these articles and revise them to align with the law’s spirit and regulatory objectives.
This legislative process reflects the authorities’ commitment to modernizing the legal framework for traffic management, while considering preventative and educational aspects. The aim is to ensure fair penalties that promote road safety and maintain the desired legal equilibrium.
The joint committee’s review is expected to address concerns about the severity of certain penalties and ensure a balanced approach to enforcement. The revised law is intended to improve road safety and reduce traffic accidents across Algeria.
