Cablegate: Tunisia Increases Fines for Distracted Driving

VZCZCXYZ0002
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHTU #0137 0531700
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 221700Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY TUNIS
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7328

UNCLAS TUNIS 000137

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

FOR OES/S NANCY CARTER-FOSTER, ALSO FOR NEA/MAG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON SOCI TS
SUBJECT: TUNISIA INCREASES FINES FOR DISTRACTED DRIVING

REF: A. TUNIS 73
B. STATE 6703

Sensitive but unclassified. Please protect accordingly.

1. (SBU) On February 19, Tunisian media reported that the
Ministry of Interior had increased auto traffic fines for
moving violations, including for speeding, driving without a
safety belt, and using cell phones while driving. The fine
for using a phone while driving increased from TD 20 (USD
14.32) to TD 60 (USD 42.98).

2. (SBU) Comment: While we do not believe this step was
taken in response to our January 25 demarche (reftels - we
have yet to receive an official reply), the increased fines
clearly indicate that the GOT is also concerned about the
dangers of distracted driving and the toll it is taking on
the public's health and safety. End comment.

GRAY

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