New traffic laws, which carry heavy penalties for using the mobile phone at the wheel, have been approved by Congress and will come into force in two months.
The new Traffic Circulation and Road Safety Law carries six points for using a mobile phone at the wheel, however, if the driver is unlocking the phone, sending or answering messages the consequences will be worse with more points being deducted.
By law drivers can exceed the speed limit by 20kph when overtaking and, after much discussion, the new law does not change this.
Not using a seatbelt will carry four points as will driving and electric scooter without a helmet.
The new law will be particularly tough on drivers who use mobiles at the wheel due to the 32% increase in fatal accidents due to driver distraction.
