DENIS COHENE - CONCEJAL MUNICIPAL DE CORONEL OVIEDO

Introduction to the Regulation of Motovehicles

Overview of the Session

• Néstor introduces the session discussing the regulation and delivery of motovehicles in Coronel Oviedo, mentioning a previous inquiry about documentation.

• Dr. Denis Cen greets the audience and expresses readiness to discuss an extraordinary ordinance presented at a recent municipal meeting.

Purpose of the Ordinance

• The ordinance focuses on enhancing road safety through regulations on motovehicle sales, including motorcycles and motocarros.

• Dr. Cen explains that increased traffic accidents in Coronel Oviedo prompted this initiative, highlighting issues like lack of training for vehicle operation.

Key Issues Leading to the Ordinance

Factors Contributing to Traffic Accidents

• High accident rates are attributed to inadequate driver training and failure to use required documentation.

• A significant number of accidents result from not wearing helmets, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

Legal Framework

• The ordinance aligns with national law 2016/14, which allows municipalities to create complementary regulations for local traffic violations.

• It addresses irregular circulation of motovehicles without proper licensing or municipal authorization.

Implementation Measures

Requirements for Purchasing Motovehicles

• Buyers must present valid driver's licenses and vehicle habilitation documents when purchasing a motovehicle.

• Businesses selling motovehicles are mandated to provide two free helmets—one for the driver and one for a passenger.

Addressing Current Practices

• The ordinance aims to rectify current practices where individuals often purchase vehicles without necessary documentation, leading to fines shortly after acquisition.

Control Mechanisms

Enforcement Strategies

• The Directorate of Industry and Commerce will oversee compliance with these new regulations alongside legal advisory bodies.

Record-Keeping Requirements

• Sellers must maintain records for one year detailing each sale, including copies of buyer's documents and helmet distribution confirmations.

Monitoring Compliance

• Traffic agents will verify compliance by checking if buyers possess necessary documents during routine checks; penalties will be directed at sellers rather than buyers.

Regulations on Motorcycle Sales and Licensing

Penalties for Irregular Motorcycle Sales

• The penalty for selling motorcycles without proper documentation is set at 50 daily wages per motorcycle sold irregularly.

Requirements for Buyers

• The ordinance prohibits the delivery of motorcycles unless the buyer presents a valid driver's license and municipal authorization, especially if they have previously obtained these documents.

• First-time buyers can obtain their driver's license by completing necessary courses and requirements before making a purchase.

Municipal Authorization Process

• There are two methods to obtain municipal authorization:

• Requesting a certificate and paying the corresponding fees.

• Having the seller provide vehicle specifications to facilitate obtaining printed authorization from the municipality.

Implementation Timeline

• Once approved, there will be a 45-day adaptation period for businesses to comply with the new regulations after promulgation. This includes time for public awareness and registration processes.

Reception Among Colleagues

• Initial reactions from colleagues in the municipal council have been positive, indicating good receptivity towards this ordinance aimed at improving road safety. Concerns about compliance were met with optimism regarding its potential impact on public safety practices among motorcyclists.

Legislation and Social Responsibility in Business

Cost of Sales Consistency Across Regions

• Businesses should maintain consistent sales costs across different regions, such as the capital city and Coronel Oviedo, due to their nationwide operations. This consistency reflects a commitment to social responsibility within corporate practices.

Legislative Comparisons and Precedents

• The discussion highlights the concept of comparative legislation, noting that while Paraguay lacks similar regulations, neighboring countries like Argentina and Uruguay have established norms that could serve as precedents for local legislation. This suggests potential ease in implementing new laws based on existing frameworks.

Enforcement of Safety Regulations

• Proposed regulations will not penalize citizens but will impose fines on businesses failing to provide necessary safety equipment, such as helmets for motorcycle riders. This shift emphasizes accountability among commercial entities rather than burdening consumers with additional costs.

Importance of Safety Equipment

• The necessity for protective gear is underscored by comparing automotive safety features (like airbags) to the lack of similar standards for motorcycles. The proposed ordinance aims to ensure companies provide essential safety tools, thereby enhancing public safety during transportation.

Timeline for Legislative Process

• The legislative process is expected to move swiftly; the proposal could be reviewed by commissions soon and potentially enacted into law within two months, indicating an urgent response to pressing safety concerns in Coronel Oviedo.

Community Impact and Urgency

• There is a strong emphasis on community impact regarding traffic accidents, highlighting personal connections many have with road incidents. The urgency of passing this ordinance reflects a broader societal need for improved road safety measures in Coronel Oviedo.