Law modifies rules for driver's licenses: offenders can deduct points and good drivers will receive incentives

Peru has introduced a new legal framework, Ley N.° 32616, designed to overhaul its driver's license point system and bolster road safety. The legislation introduces a dual approach: drivers who commit traffic infractions will have opportunities to reduce points on their record through safety courses, while those who maintain a clean driving history for two consecutive years will be rewarded with incentives.

The core objective of this reform is to foster a culture of responsible driving by emphasizing prevention, re-education, and appropriate sanctions. While the maximum limit of 100 points for infractions remains, the law introduces new mechanisms to encourage behavioral shifts. For instance, drivers can now proactively take road safety courses to deduct points before reaching the maximum threshold. The specifics of point reduction and the nature of incentives for good drivers will be detailed in regulations by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC).

The law also redefines the consequences for drivers who accumulate points. A first-time accumulation of 100 points will result in an automatic six-month license suspension. Repeat offenders face longer suspensions, with a third offense leading to license cancellation and a national driving ban. Furthermore, points will expire two years after a sanction becomes final. The MTC has been tasked with updating relevant regulations within 90 working days, paving the way for a more dynamic and responsive system aimed at improving overall road safety in Peru.