Speeding fine in Buenos Aires can now exceed 4 million pesos

A speeding ticket in Buenos Aires can now cost more than 4.6 million pesos after the city raised the value of its Fixed Unit, the measure used to calculate traffic fines.

The adjustment took effect on Sept. 2 and lifted one Fixed Unit from 949.99 to 1,173.08 pesos. The value is tied to the average price in the city of half a liter of the highest-octane gasoline, and the adjustment takes place every six months.

Speeding carries the city’s most expensive traffic penalty. Fines range from 150 to 4,000 Fixed Units, depending on the seriousness of the violation. Driving above 140 km/h on any type of road can result in a fine of between 469,232 pesos and 4,692,320 pesos. No highway in the city has a speed limit above 100 km/h.

Other penalties depend on the road and the amount by which the driver exceeds the limit. Driving more than 40 km/h over the limit on a fast road, without exceeding 140 km/h, carries a 293,270-peso fine. Exceeding the limit by more than 20 km/h on streets and avenues can cost 586,540 pesos. Smaller excesses carry a 175,962-peso fine.

The article notes that speeding can cost more than driving under the influence of alcohol. A reading between 0.5 and 1 gram per liter can bring a fine of 175,962 to 1,173,080 pesos and a license suspension of two to four months. Readings of 1 gram per liter or higher carry fines of up to 2,346,160 pesos, possible arrest for one to 10 days, and license disqualification for four months to two years. The city says one in five fatal crashes is linked to alcohol consumption.