'Traffic': Reckless driver apprehended, referred to Central Prison, and vehicle impounded

- A video clip led to his arrest, with penalties reaching up to three years in prison and a fine of 1,000 dinars.

The General Directorate of Traffic, represented by the Security Control Department, has apprehended a suspect for engaging in reckless and careless driving, thereby endangering his own life, as well as the lives and property of other road users.

In a statement, the Directorate said the arrest followed the monitoring of a video recording the incident, followed by necessary investigations that led to identifying and detaining the suspect, taking legal action against him, and referring him to the Central Prison. The vehicle used in the incident was also impounded after completing the legal procedures for its confiscation in favor of the Ministry of Interior.

The Directorate clarified that Article 33 bis stipulates that “whoever commits any of the following acts shall be punished with imprisonment for a period exceeding one year but not exceeding three years, and/or a fine not exceeding 1,000 dinars but not less than 600 dinars, or one of these two penalties.” Among these acts is “driving a vehicle recklessly or negligently, thereby endangering the lives or property of the driver or others.”

It added that the same article provides that “the court may, on its own initiative or upon request from the Ministry of Interior, order the confiscation of the motor vehicle in favor of the Ministry of Interior if it convicts a suspect of committing any of the acts mentioned in this article. The authority to dispose of the vehicle shall belong to the relevant department within the Ministry of Interior, without prejudice to the provisions contained in the aforementioned Penal Code or those of bona fide third parties.”

The General Directorate of Traffic emphasized that it would not tolerate any behavior that threatens the safety of road users or endangers their lives and property.