TUNISIA INCREASES FINES FOR DISTRACTED DRIVING

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