If you owe Q1 thousand for a traffic fine with the municipality of Guatemala, you can pay half, Q500. This was approved by the municipal council at the beginning of November (agreement 45-202).
The mayor’s office established to forgive up to 50% of each penalty imposed by the Municipal Traffic Police (PMT). Nor will it charge interest for delays in these obligations on the part of each driver.
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When asked about the reason for this exoneration, the PMT spokesperson, Amílcar Montejo, responded that the municipality of Guatemala “is legitimized to exempt payment” and that is why this decision was made. The measure will be in force until December 20.
According to records from the Local Government portal, between January 1 and November 15 of this year it raised Q40.8 million, that represents 60% of the Q68 million expected to be collected.
More than Q63 million in 2022
In 2020 and 2021, at least Q60 million was collected in various traffic violations, according to reports published by the mayor of Guatemala City.
An employee complaint originating in August 2022 revealed that PMT agents are required to make a minimum quota of 15 daily fines in order to achieve their goal of capturing the necessary income for the commune.
According to the Annual Operational Plan (POA) and the approved budget, the PMT of Guatemala City expects to receive Q14.7 million in stocks. These are infractions committed for parking in unauthorized places and placing these immobilizers.
To date, it has accumulated Q8.8 million, which represents 59% of what was planned. That is, a goal of 11,800 daily violations mentioned.
According to the Traffic Law, a mayor’s office can also consign the vehicles and require payments through judicial claims.
According to the published regulations, a person can pay up to the equivalent of 90% for the consigned vehicle. That is, if you owe Q1 thousand under that concept, you will only have to pay Q100.
This rule does not apply if the process is already under public auction, and will be for any infraction committed before November 14 of this year.
The Traffic Law establishes that municipalities may use the proceeds from fines for the design, maintenance and improvement of traffic activities, including road infrastructure works. [Por Isaías Morales. Vía Ojoconmipisto]
