Uruguay Announces 50% Discount on Traffic Fines, Addresses Collection Issues

Montevideo, Uruguay – In a move aimed at improving traffic fine payment rates, Uruguay’s Congress of Mayors has approved a 50% discount on fines for less serious traffic violations. The decision comes as the government grapples with significant challenges in collecting outstanding fines, particularly from foreign drivers.

Addressing a Growing Problem of Non-Payment

The initiative responds to a concerning trend of non-payment, highlighted by recent data revealing that 96% of traffic fines issued to foreign vehicles between November 2024 and January 31, 2026, remain unpaid. This represents a total of USD 70,436,980 in uncollected fines. The National Road Safety Board, comprising Unasev, the Ministries of Transportation, Interior, Education, and Health, and the Congress of Mayors, proposed the measure to enhance compliance.

How the Discount Works

The 50% reduction will be applied to drivers who pay their fines in cash before the expiration of the first installment of their annual vehicle registration. According to Nicolás Olivera, president of the Congress and mayor of Paysandú, the discount is targeted at those willing to pay, as currently, approximately 70% of fines head unpaid.

Infractions Excluded from the Discount

The discount will not apply to a specific set of serious traffic violations, including:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
• Refusing to submit to alcohol or drug testing
• Participating in unauthorized vehicular competitions
• Driving at double or more than the permitted speed
• Operating a vehicle without a valid National Driving Permit
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Not wearing a helmet
• Carrying a child under 12 years old in the front seat
• Failing to use a Child Restraint System for children under 12

Current Fine Costs in Montevideo (as of December 2016)

While fine amounts are subject to change, here’s a snapshot of common violations and their corresponding fines in Montevideo as of December 2016 (expressed in Uruguayan pesos – UR):

• Disobedience to provisions: 1.48 UR (approximately $1,376)
• Disobedience to signs: 1.48 UR (approximately $1,376)
• Vehicle traveling on the sidewalk: 4 UR (approximately $3,719)
• Improper use of sidewalks: 4 UR (approximately $3,719)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol: 15 UR (approximately $13,948)
• Driving without a license: 8 UR (approximately $7,439)
• Failing to wear a seatbelt: 1.48 UR (approximately $1,376)

Note: UR values are based on December 2016 figures and are subject to change. Current UR values should be consulted for accurate pricing.

Impact on Departments and Ministries

The Ministry of Transportation, with 100 speed cameras on national roads, holds the largest share of outstanding fines from foreign vehicles, totaling USD 42,138,358 from 105,550 issued fines (97% unpaid). The Ministry of the Interior has a smaller impact, with 93% of 3,501 violations remaining pending, amounting to USD 1,083,414. The situation varies significantly by department, with Maldonado reporting the highest amount of unpaid fines from foreigners – USD 22,519,277 for 71,868 fines. Durazno reported no detected violations.

Looking Ahead

This new discount program represents a significant shift in Uruguay’s approach to traffic fine enforcement. By incentivizing prompt payment, the government hopes to improve collection rates and, enhance road safety. The effectiveness of this measure will be closely monitored in the coming months.