Aruba’s Parliament has approved significant changes to the island’s traffic laws, doubling the maximum prison sentence for hit and run offenses. The new legislation increases the maximum penalty from four years to eight years in prison for the most serious cases involving irresponsible driving.
The changes were announced following a historic vote in Parliament, where lawmakers unanimously supported the amendments aimed at addressing reckless driving, known locally as “roekeloos rijden.” The initiative was led by Members of Parliament Edgard Vrolijk and Rocco Tjon from the MEP party.
New Measures to Address Reckless Driving
According to MEP parliamentarian Endy Croes, the previous law had major shortcomings because the definition of reckless driving was unclear. This made it difficult for police and judges to enforce strict penalties against drivers who behaved irresponsibly on the road.
Croes explained that the lack of a clear legal definition often prevented authorities from applying stronger punishments, even in serious incidents.
“For many years, the definition of reckless driving was vague. The old law limited police action and made it difficult for judges to impose strong penalties,” Croes said.
He added that the legislative effort began several years ago, with work on the reforms dating back to 2019.
Stronger Penalties for Hit and Run
Under the newly approved law, specific articles have been introduced to clearly define irresponsible driving and strengthen punishments for drivers who flee the scene after causing accidents.
One of the most important changes focuses on hit and run incidents, where a driver causes injury or damage and then leaves the scene without providing assistance.
With the new legislation:
-
The minimum prison sentence has increased from three months to one year.
-
The maximum prison sentence has doubled from four years to eight years for severe offenses.
These changes apply to drivers who hit pedestrians, damage public infrastructure such as light poles, or cause serious accidents and then attempt to escape responsibility.
Unanimous Support in Parliament
Croes highlighted that the law was approved unanimously, with members from multiple political parties supporting the changes.
He noted that even parliamentarians from AVP and FUTURO voted in favor of the reform, demonstrating broad political agreement on the importance of improving road safety in Aruba.
Focus Now on Enforcement
While the law has been approved, Croes emphasized that enforcement will be the next critical step. He called on the government to ensure that police have the resources needed to enforce the new rules and improve safety on Aruba’s roads.
He also encouraged the government to introduce road safety awareness campaigns in schools and communities.
Croes concluded by urging citizens to take responsibility while driving and to respect the safety of others on the road.
“Parliament has done its work. Now it is the government’s turn to ensure proper enforcement. Everyone must remember that responsible driving protects lives,” he said.
