reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5056a - Requirements to obtain permit to operate a motorcycle

Any person who is authorized to operate a motorcycle in Puerto Rico shall meet the following requirements:
(a) Be physically and mentally fit to do so.
(b) Be eighteen (18) years of age.
(c) Be an authorized motor vehicle driver.
(d) Have received a training to operate motorcycles and on the provisions of the Puerto Rico Vehicle and Traffic Act, this chapter, in the places designated and authorized by the Secretary, and that said training is provided by instructors duly certified by the Secretary or his/her authorized representatives. This training shall be required only if the person fails to obtain the minimum score needed to pass the theoretical or practical test in the first attempt.
(e) Have passed a theoretical and practical exam offered by the instructors of the Office of the Director of Driver’s Services (DISCO, Spanish acronym) duly certified by the Secretary in an area designated and authorized by the latter, and consequently obtain, a certification of approval from the instructor.
(f) Any person who, for tourist purposes, is interested in renting, or rent motorcycles through an authorized company or business in the Island Municipalities of Culebra or Vieques, to be used exclusively in said jurisdictions, shall be exempt from meeting the requirements of subsections (d) and (e) of this section. The rental and use of a motorcycle is nontransferable and unassignable.
This exception shall only be effective within the first thirty (30) days after arriving to the Island Municipalities of Culebra and Vieques.
The motorcycle rental company or business in the jurisdictions of Culebra and Vieques shall require the lessee to meet, and the lessee shall meet the requirements of subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section.
The company or business shall be required to state in writing and verbally the usual road safety warnings, in accordance with this chapter.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, added as § 3.06A on Aug. 10, 2007, No. 107, § 3; July 29, 2011, No. 166, § 1, eff. 60 days after July 29, 2011.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5057 - Issuance of driving licenses to persons who do not know how to read or write

The Secretary may issue any type of license to drive motor vehicles to a person who cannot read and write Spanish or English, or who can read and write with speed or comprehension limitation, which would impede the approval of the written theoretical examination established by this chapter, if said person complies with the following requirements:
(a) Approve an oral course offered by the Department on highway and traffic safety rules and an oral examination upon completion of said course, as a requirement for the issuance of the learner’s permit.
(b) Approve the practical examination.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 3.07, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5059 - Mental and physical ability to drive

Every person applying for issuance of a learner’s permit shall include with the application a certification issued by a physician duly authorized to practice the medical profession stating that according to the physical examination made to the applicant, he/she is physically capable and without any apparent mental disability to drive a motor vehicle on the public roads. Said certification shall be made on the form provided by the Secretary to such effects.
Whenever a driver’s license is requested, the Secretary may require a medical examination to every applicant exempted from the learner’s permit requirement.
The Secretary may require up to two (2) additional physical examinations, two (2) eyesight examinations, as well as two (2) psychiatric evaluations of the applicant by experts on the field, when in his judgment or that of the person designated thereto, it is deemed necessary to comply with the purposes of this section.
The Secretary shall establish through regulations the minimum physical condition needed to operate a motor vehicle, commercial motor vehicle, heavy motor vehicle, and light and heavy trucks, pursuant to the requirements established in the applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 3.09; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 3, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5061 - Practical examination requirement

Every aspirant for a driver’s license who meets the requirements established in § 5056 of this title may request the Secretary to provide a practical examination to be issued a driving license. If said aspirant already holds a driving license issued under the provisions of this chapter, he/she may request the Secretary to submit to an examination [in order] to be issued of any of the other licenses authorized in this chapter, which have stricter examination requirements. An applicant who holds a driving license issued by the Armed Forces of the United States, shall be bound to take the written and practical examination established in this chapter in order to drive a vehicle in Puerto Rico, but shall not need to obtain a learner’s license.
The application for the examination shall be completed on the appropriate form and shall include the photographs and documents prescribed by the Secretary through regulations. Upon filing of the application, the Secretary shall set the date and time in which said test shall be held and shall notify the applicant to such effects.
During the examination every aspirant shall demonstrate that he/she is capable of safely operating the motor vehicle for which the driving license is requested, and meets all the provisions of this chapter and the regulations promulgated by the Secretary.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 3.11; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 3, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5062 - Driving licenses for persons with partial physical disability

The Secretary may issue learner permits and driver licenses to any person with a partial physical disability, provided he/she has attained eighteen (18) years of age or complies with the provisions of subsection (c) of § 5056 of this title, provided such disability may be corrected through the use of technologically advanced assistance equipment installed in the motor vehicle or through restrictions on the type of vehicle that such person shall operate, places where he may operate such vehicle or times during which he/she may be authorized to drive, as well as any other limitation or condition deemed necessary for reason of public safety, all of which shall appear on the license issued.
Every person aspiring for a license to operate a motor vehicle under the provisions of this section, shall be submitted to such physical examinations that are required by the Secretary, for the evaluation of those conditions that in the judgment of the latter are necessary. The Secretary may establish through regulations the requirements he/she deems are necessary to be applied to the persons who are engaged in the process of performing the abovementioned medical certifications.
Every driver to whom a license is issued under the provisions of this section, shall be bound to fully comply with the restrictions imposed on the license for which he/she has been considered.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 3.12; Oct. 9, 2000, No. 414, § 14; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 3, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5063a - Restrictions for obtaining a driver’s license certificate

Any person under eighteen (18) but over sixteen (16) years of age may apply for a practical examination for obtaining a driver’s license certificate from the Secretary after six (6) months or more from the date of issue of the learner’s permit, provided he/she complies with the following:
(a) To have a record free of guilty judgments within the term of six (6) months in the courts of justice for, but not limited to, the following violations:
(1) Having caused or been involved in traffic accidents.
(2) Driving under the effects of intoxicating beverages, drugs or controlled substances, as provided in §§ 5201—5209 of this title.
(b) Not having been fined for the following violations:
(1) Driving without being accompanied in the front passenger’s seat by a twenty-one (21) year old or older authorized driver;
(2) participating in competitive or drag races and speed and acceleration contests;
(3) driving carelessly and recklessly as provided in § 5128 of this title;
(4) driving over the legal maximum speed limits as provided in § 5122 of this title, and
(5) driving without using the safety belt as provided in §§ 5381—5384 of this title.
(c) Should the person have a record with a judgment, the driver’s license certificate shall be suspended until the date [on] which the person turns eighteen (18) years of age.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, added as § 3.13A on June 29, 2007, No. 55, § 4, eff. 180 days after June 29, 2007.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5065 - Registries, records and files

The Secretary shall establish and maintain such registries and files deemed adequate and necessary of all persons authorized to drive motor vehicles. He/she shall also keep an individual file of every person to whom any type of license has been issued under the provisions of this chapter.
The Secretary may establish and operate those biometric systems that may enable the use of applicable scientific and technological advancements, in order to comply with the duty of establishing and keeping the registries and indexes referred to in this section.
The records and registries authorized by this section shall include the names and addresses of the persons in whose behalf licenses have been issued, their type, dates of issue and expiration, identification granted, the date of their last physical examination, as well as any other information that the Secretary may deem necessary. When so required for the renewal of a license, the corresponding changes shall be made in the information in the registries. The Secretary shall also keep any information in the record of each driver, regarding traffic accidents in which he/she has been involved and of every administrative fault or legal judgment issued against him/her for violations of the provisions of this chapter and of the regulations approved thereunder.
It shall be the obligation of every person authorized to drive a motor vehicle, to inform the Secretary on the official form authorized for such purpose, any changes in his/her residential address, within thirty (30) days following said change. The person shall also be bound to report any physical or mental disability that has arisen.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 3.15; Oct. 9, 2000, No. 414, § 16; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 3, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5066 - Refusal to issue or renew a driver’s license

The Secretary shall refuse to issue or renew a driving license in the following cases:
(a) Whenever issuance or renewal results in violation of this chapter or any other law or its regulations.
(b) Whenever the information provided in the application for issuance or renewal of the license is false or insufficient.
(c) Whenever the requirements of this chapter are not complied with.
(d) Whenever the issuance or renewal fees have not been paid.
(e) Whenever the applicant, by virtue of official reports against him/her, constitutes a menace to public safety or has shown carelessness or habitual recklessness in the operation of a motor vehicle.
(f) When the applicant has not fulfilled the requirements and regulations of the Commission, or when pursuant to the official reports of the Commission, has failed to comply with its requirements or regulations.
In the cases comprised under subsection (e) of this section, the Secretary shall establish by regulations, the essential elements that shall be present in the conduct of a person, to the effects of determining whether it constitutes a threat to public safety or has shown carelessness or habitual negligence in the operation of motor vehicles. When the Secretary determines that the issue or renewal of a license under said subsection does not proceed, pursuant to the adopted regulations, he/she shall remit a written notice to the person involved, who may object to said action and request an administrative hearing, within twenty (20) days following the notice of said action of the Secretary. Said procedure shall be carried out pursuant to the provisions of §§ 5042 and 5723 of this title.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 3.16; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 3, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5067 - Special endorsement to transport hazardous materials

Any person who wishes to engage in the operation of motor vehicles that transport hazardous materials shall obtain a special endorsement to such effects from the Secretary. To obtain such endorsement, the applicant must also fulfill the requirements established in § 5056 of this title, with the following additional requirements:
(a) Be over twenty-one (21) years of age.
(b) Hold a driver’s license to operate motor vehicles of the category to be used.
(c) To submit attesting evidence that he/she has taken courses or training, with a frequency of not less than every two (2) years, offered or approved by the Commission, related to the handling and transportation of hazardous materials, as well as training on emergency response procedures.
(d) File a negative criminal record certificate issued by the Puerto Rico Police at the moment of requesting or renewing the license or requesting an endorsement for the transportation of hazardous materials.
(e) File a sworn statement attesting that he/she has a good record as a carrier of hazardous materials in Puerto Rico and all jurisdictions of the United States.
(f) Submit a certificate issued by a public or private clinical laboratory, duly authorized to conduct drug testing in Puerto Rico, stating that the applicant is not a user of controlled substances according to the tests or examinations undergone by him/her.
(g) When requesting this license or endorsement to transport hazardous material for the first time, and then, every two (2) years, the driver shall submit to rigorous examinations administered by the physicians selected by the Department, in order to determine if the applicant is physically and mentally capable of operating heavy motor vehicles that transport hazardous materials, or to drive any other type of vehicle that transports said cargo.
The Secretary, acting jointly with the Commission, shall establish through regulations, the procedures necessary for the implementation of the provisions of this section, as well as any other reasonable requirements or conditions necessary of the issuance or renewal of this type of permit or endorsement.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 3.17; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 3, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5069 - Revocations or suspensions of driver’s licenses

The Secretary may revoke or suspend any driver’s license in the following cases:
(a) Whenever the license has been obtained by fraudulent means, granted by error, or when the fees therefor have not been paid.
(b) Whenever the authorized person becomes physically or mentally unable to operate a motor vehicle.
(c) Whenever the authorized person has a record of at least three (3) guilty verdicts in a court of justice, each one for separate acts, within the term of one (1) year, for violations of the provisions of this chapter or its regulations.
(d) Whenever the authorized person has been convicted of violating laws or regulations in any jurisdiction of the United States, including states of the Union and territories, for acts or omissions that, under the laws of Puerto Rico, constitute crimes that may justify suspension or revocation of a license.
(e) Whenever the person has been authorized under the provisions of § 5061 of this title and fails to meet the requirements or conditions imposed by the Secretary.
(f) When the person authorized fails to meet the requirements and regulations of the Commission or when, by virtue of the official reports of the Commission, has violated the requirements or regulations thereof.
(g) When the person is less than eighteen (18) years of age and fails to meet the mandatory school attendance requirement imposed by §§ 143a—146f of this title, known as the “Organic Act of the Department of Education of Puerto Rico”. Pregnant teens, emancipated youths, and youths who live with sick relatives that require their care or who live with relatives with special needs shall be exempt from this provision. The Secretary of Transportation and Public Works may provide, through regulations, any additional and special circumstance that warrant, through exception, the administrative exemption of a person under eighteen (18) years of age, but over sixteen (16) years of the requirements set forth in this section.
In cases such as those in preceding subsections (a), (b), and (e) of this section, the suspension or revocation of the license shall be rendered ineffective as soon as the indicated error, unlawfulness, or noncompliance is corrected, or if the disability that originated the Secretary’s action disappears or is corrected.
In no case shall the suspension of a license by the Secretary exceed a term of one (1) year.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 3.19; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 3, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004; July 29, 2011, No. 161, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5070 - Administrative hearing and petition for review

Whenever the Secretary determines that a revocation or suspension of a license or authorization to operate motor vehicles is in order, the procedure shall follow as established through regulations and in accordance with this chapter.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 3.20, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5071 - New physical, visual or mental examinations

Whenever the Secretary should have reasonable grounds to believe that a person with a license to operate motor vehicles is not physically, visually or mentally fit to do so, as the case may be, including frequent violations to the provisions of this chapter or its regulations, he shall require such person to undergo a physical, visual or mental examination, as the case may be, by those physicians designated by the Secretary. Said examination shall cover those aspects that the Secretary may deem pertinent, including that the person could be requested to take new practical and written examinations in order to demonstrate his/her capability to operate a motor vehicle, according to the type of license he/she holds.
Refusal to undergo such examinations shall empower the Secretary to revoke the driver’s license to said person.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 3.21, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5072 - Point system

The Secretary shall establish, through regulations, a point system or rating schedule to fix the points or demerits that shall be accrued against drivers for every infraction constituting an administrative fault, for the conviction for a misdemeanor by virtue of this chapter, and shall provide the measures that must be taken when an offender accumulates several levels of points which may range from a written notice, to the suspension and revoking of the driving license.
When a person commits an administrative fault or misdemeanor for an infraction of the provisions of this chapter or its regulations, the Secretary shall determine, within the limits established for each violation, the number of points the infractor shall accrue.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 3.22; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 3, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5072a - Expunging administrative faults from the record of the driver

Any violation of the provisions of this chapter deemed to be administrative traffic infractions may be eliminated from the record of the authorized driver insofar as he/she so requests to the Secretary through a sworn statement to such effect indicating, among others, the following:
(1) That any administrative infraction committed over three (3) years before be eliminated from his/her record.
(2) That violations of law whose elimination is being requested are deemed to be administrative infractions, not offenses.
(3) That the requestor enjoys a good moral reputation in his/her community.
Provided, That the offenses considered to be felonies or misdemeanors may also be eliminated from the record of the authorized driver, insofar as he/she has followed the procedure established in the Code of Civil Procedure by Act No. 108 of June 21, 1968, as amended by Act No. 174 of August 16, 2002, and if such person so requests and shows evidence to the Secretary.
(4) That the fines imposed as a result of such administrative infractions have been paid.
Provided, That the driver must show evidence of the payment corresponding to such fines.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, added as § 3.22-A on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 3; July 26, 2010, No. 94, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5075 - Official identification card

Every person who is sixteen (16) years of age or older, who does not hold or cannot or does not wish to obtain a driver’s license, may request that the Secretary issue an official identification card for him/her. Said request shall be enclosed with the requirements established by the Secretary through regulations, who may impose reasonable fees which cannot be greater than the administrative costs incurred to obtain said card. The revenues collected shall be covered into a special account in favor of the Director of Driver Services (Directoría de Servicios al Conductor) to be used for the preparation and administrative and electronic processing of the card, as well as any other requirement that the Secretary establishes through regulations. The Secretary shall progressively add to the regulations for the issuance of the official identification card identity protection safeguards equal to those required for the driver’s licenses by the Department of Homeland Security under the Federal “Real ID Act of 2005”.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, added as § 3.24 on Aug. 13, 2008, No. 252, § 2; Aug. 21, 2009, No. 88, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5076 - [Issuance]

The identification card shall be issued to any person who is sixteen (16) years of age or older and who does not hold a driver’s license. All identification cards issued by the Secretary shall be for a term of six (6) years. The expiration date of the identification card shall coincide with the date of birth of the holder thereof. The effectiveness of the identification card for persons over sixty-five (65) years of age shall be for life, provided it is not suspended or revoked.
Every person who holds an identification card and subsequently decides to obtain a driver’s license shall return the same. In the case that it has been lost, he/she shall submit a sworn statement attesting to the facts. This shall not apply if the card has expired. The identification number of the card shall the one fixed by the Secretary. The cards shall contain all the information permissible by law and necessary in order to duly identify the person whose photograph appears therein.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, added as § 3.25 on Aug. 13, 2008, No. 252, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter II - Requirements and Procedure for Issuance, Expiration and Renewal of Driver’s Licenses (§§ 5051 — 5077) › § 5077 - Selective Service

A box shall be included in the application and renewal forms for identification cards and driver’s licenses to such effect any person subject to the provisions of the Selective System Act, in accordance with 50 U.S.C. App 451, et seq., may opt to register with the Selective Service, as required. Said box shall be accompanied by a brief statement about the requirement of the Law, a quotation of the Act, and the consequences for failing to meet the same. Any person who is required to register pursuant to the Selective Service Act and opts-out from registration shall leave the box unchecked. Applicants who are between sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) years of age may opt to register with the Selective Service System once they are eighteen (18) years of age, as long as they have authorization from the adult called upon to consent in the identification card or driver’s license application form. Failure to register with the Selective Service shall not prevent the Government of Puerto Rico from issuing the identification card or driver’s license as appropriate.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, added as § 3.26 on Dec. 12, 2011, No. 241, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter III - Provisions on Traffic Accidents (§§ 5101 — 5114) › § 5101 - General rule

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident in which another vehicle or property has been damaged, or in which a person has been injured or killed, shall immediately stop his/her vehicle at, or as close to the scene of the accident as possible, so as to avoid obstructing traffic and in compliance with all obligations provided in this chapter. Should a driver stop his/her vehicle close to the scene of the accident, but not exactly at the site itself, he/she shall return to the scene of the accident and remain there until he/she has complied with the provisions of § 5103 of this title. Any stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than may be necessary.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.01, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter III - Provisions on Traffic Accidents (§§ 5101 — 5114) › § 5102 - Unlawful acts and penalties

Any driver who fails to stop his/her vehicle or in such circumstances to meet the requirements expressed in § 5101 of this title, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six (6) months, by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both penalties at the discretion of the court. If a person is injured or dies as a result of the accident, the driver shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fixed term of imprisonment of three (3) years.
The Secretary shall revoke the driver’s license or permit and all driving privileges granted to a nonresident who has been convicted of violating this section.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.02, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000; Aug. 3, 2014, No. 127, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter III - Provisions on Traffic Accidents (§§ 5101 — 5114) › § 5103 - Obligations of any driver involved in an accident

Any driver of a vehicle involved in an accident shall:
(a) Give his/her name, address and registration number of the vehicle driven and, if requested, make available his/her driver’s license or permit and any other information related to the compulsory insurance of the motor vehicle to any person injured as a result of the accident, or to the driver or occupant of the other vehicle, or to the person in charge of the vehicle or of any property damaged in the accident or to any law enforcement officer.
(b) Render assistance to the injured, if any, including taking them to a hospital or where they may receive medical assistance, except when it may be dangerous for the injured to be moved, or when the injured themselves, or any person accompanying them, expressly refuses to give consent to have them moved. The driver of the vehicle shall be exempt from said duty if as a result of the accident his/her physical condition does not enable him/her to render said assistance.
In the event that none of the persons mentioned is in condition to receive the information to which they are entitled, pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, and should there be no law enforcement officer present, the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident, after having complied to the utmost with all the provisions and requirements of § 5101 and 5103 of this title, shall report the accident to the nearest Police station and submit the information specified in subsection (a) of this section.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.03, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter III - Provisions on Traffic Accidents (§§ 5101 — 5114) › § 5104 - Accidents affecting property whose owner or caretaker is not present

Any driver involved in an accident resulting in damage to property whose owner or caretaker is not present at the scene of the accident shall try to locate said owner or caretaker and notify the them of the accident, identifying him/herself and showing said owner or caretaker the license authorizing him/her to drive. If said driver is unable to locate the owner or caretaker of the property damaged in the accident, he/she shall leave in a conspicuous place thereupon, his/her name and address and shall, without unnecessary delay, report the accident to the nearest police station.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.04, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter III - Provisions on Traffic Accidents (§§ 5101 — 5114) › § 5105 - Unnecessary obstruction of traffic

It is hereby prohibited to stand or park a vehicle after an accident in such a manner as to obstruct traffic on the public road, except in those cases where, because of the circumstances or the situation or the conditions in which the vehicles or their occupants are left after the accident, it is not possible to move the vehicle.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.05, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter III - Provisions on Traffic Accidents (§§ 5101 — 5114) › § 5106 - Immediate notice to police

Any driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident not investigated by the Police at the place where it occurred which has resulted in injury to another person or damages to the property of another, shall immediately and through the fastest possible means, report the accident to the nearest Police station, within a term not to exceed four (4) hours.
When the driver of a vehicle is him/herself physically unable to make the report immediately, as required in this section, and there is another occupant in the vehicle at the time of the accident who can do so, said occupant shall give or cause to be given the information which the driver failed to provide.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.06, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter III - Provisions on Traffic Accidents (§§ 5101 — 5114) › § 5107 - Police report

Any member of the Police or the Municipal Police who investigates an accident between vehicles shall draft a written report within the next forty-eight (48) hours following his/her arrival at the scene of the accident, giving details of aspects that may arise as a result of the investigation conducted at the time and at the scene of the accident, or after having subsequently interviewed the persons involved or witnesses. Then, the member of the Police Force or the Municipal Police officer shall remit to the Department of Transportation and Public Works a written report of the accident, or a copy of any other report he/she has prepared, within ten (10) days following the investigation of the accident, a copy of which shall be remitted to the Automobile Accident Compensation Administration, in the event there are any injuries.
Any member of the Puerto Rico Police or the Municipal Police who violates this section shall be subject to the imposition of any corresponding administrative penalty.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.07; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 4, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter III - Provisions on Traffic Accidents (§§ 5101 — 5114) › § 5108 - Obligation of vehicle repair shop personnel

Any person who owns or is in charge of any vehicle repair or paint shop shall be bound to keep a register of all vehicles left in their charge. The register shall include the model of the vehicle, its serial number and license plate number, the name and address of the owner and a detailed description of the condition of the vehicle before the accident and a description of the work done on it. If the vehicle should have bullet holes, he/she shall report it to the nearest police station within a period of twenty-four (24) hours following the arrival of said vehicle to the shop. The police officer in charge of the police station shall complete a report with a description of the vehicle, as well as the make, license plate number and the name and address of the owner or driver who took the vehicle to said garage or repair shop. A copy of this report shall be remitted each month to the Department and to the Puerto Rico Police.
Any person violating the provisions of this section shall incur a misdemeanor and if convicted, shall be punished with a term of imprisonment of not more than six (6) months, a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both penalties at the discretion of the court.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.08; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 4, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter III - Provisions on Traffic Accidents (§§ 5101 — 5114) › § 5109 - Analysis and tabulation of accidents by the Department

The Department, in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, shall tabulate and analyze all accident reports received and shall publish annually or at shorter intervals statistical information based on said reports including data relative to the number and circumstances of vehicle accidents.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.09, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter III - Provisions on Traffic Accidents (§§ 5101 — 5114) › § 5110 - Liens on vehicles involved in accidents

When the operation of a motor vehicle or a trailer causes an accident on public highways, any person who has a claim originated as a result of said accident shall submit a sworn statement on regarding the events of the accident, to the Secretary. The Secretary shall examine said sworn statement and, should it meet the requirements established by regulations, he/she shall enter in the file in which the motor vehicle or trailer is registered, a brief statement of the claim. This statement shall have the same effect as a lien on the vehicle or trailer, as the case shall be, for a term of one (1) year. During that time, the Secretary may not authorize any transfer whatsoever of said motor vehicle. The Secretary shall be bound to provide in writing to the owner of the motor vehicle or trailer, and to any interested party who so requests it, any information on the existence or nonexistence of said type of lien on any specific motor vehicle or trailer.
The Secretary shall take notice of any judicial order affecting the disposal of the motor vehicle or trailer, as the case may be, and shall authorize or reject the transfer of such a vehicle or trailer pursuant to the terms of the judicial order.
Any person affected by the annotation suspending for one (1) year any transfer of the motor vehicle or trailer, as ordered by the Secretary, may free the vehicle or trailer from the effects thereof, by posting bond for the amount fixed by the Secretary according to the estimated market value of the vehicle, as provided through regulations.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.10; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 4, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter III - Provisions on Traffic Accidents (§§ 5101 — 5114) › § 5111 - Authority of police in hit-and-run accidents

Whenever a member of the Police or the Municipal Police has sufficient grounds to believe that a given vehicle has been involved in an accident from which the driver has abandoned the scene of the accident, and said vehicle shows any visible signs of having been involved in an accident, the office shall be empowered to remove said vehicle from the public road and transfer the same to an adequate facility for its inspection. The owner shall not be deprived of his/her vehicle for more than forty-eight (48) hours.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.11, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter III - Provisions on Traffic Accidents (§§ 5101 — 5114) › § 5112 - Obstruction of emergency measures

(a) Any driver who parks his/her motor vehicle one hundred (100) feet or less from where a traffic accident has occurred or an emergency situation arisen, while emergency measures are being taken, shall be guilty of an administrative fault and be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
The members of the general working press and those other persons who, because of their knowledge or profession or technical expertise are capable of rendering assistance and therefore have stopped to offer their help while waiting for the emergency authorities to arrive at the scene, are hereby exempted from these provisions. Said persons shall at all times exercise proper judgment and undertake those measures that may be necessary to avoid obstructing the free flow of traffic or creating situations that entail risk to their own safety or the safety of others.
(b) When approaching an emergency area or shoulder where an emergency or law enforcement vehicle, tow truck, or official maintenance vehicle duly identified with its emergency lights flashing as authorized by § 5412 of this title is located, every driver shall:
(1) Move over to the farthest lane away from the emergency area or shoulder, if the traffic or type of roadway so allows; or
(2) if changing lanes is not possible, drivers must reduce their speed by twenty (20) miles per hour below the maximum speed limit allowed in the roadway.
Once the driver passes the emergency area or shoulder where the official vehicle or tow truck is located, he/she may return or continue at the maximum speed limit allowed in said roadway. Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall be punished by a seventy-five dollar ($75.00) administrative fine.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.12, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000; Dec. 17, 2015, No. 226, § 1, eff. 90 days after Dec. 17, 2015.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter III - Provisions on Traffic Accidents (§§ 5101 — 5114) › § 5113 - Obligation of law enforcement officers in cases of accident

Any law enforcement officer on duty and not in pursuit of a crime suspect shall be duty bound to stop at the scene of a traffic accident until another law enforcement office appears or until he/she has taken all necessary data to allow for the investigation of the accident.
Any member of the Police or the Municipal Police who violates this section shall incur a misdemeanor and if convicted, shall be punished with a fine of one hundred dollars ($100), without prejudice to any administrative sanctions that may be imposed.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.13, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter III - Provisions on Traffic Accidents (§§ 5101 — 5114) › § 5114 - Duties of law enforcement officers

When a law enforcement officer intervenes with a person for having violated the provisions of this chapter, he/she must do so in a professional and diligent manner so as to guarantee his/her own safety and that of the persons intervened. Any law enforcement officer who violates this provision or who abuses his/her power shall incur a misdemeanor and if convicted, shall be punished with a fine of one hundred dollars ($100), without prejudice to any administrative sanctions that may be imposed.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.14, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter IV - Traffic and Safety Provisions (§§ 5121 — 5128) › § 5121 - Basic rule

The speed of a vehicle or motor vehicle shall be regulated all times with due care, taking into account the width, traffic, use and condition of the public highway. No one shall drive at a speed greater than that which allows the driver to exercise proper control of the vehicle and shall reduce its speed or stop when needed to prevent an accident. Pursuant to the requirements stated above, every person shall drive at a safe and adequate speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad crossing, when approaching the summit of a slope, when traveling on a narrow or winding road or when there is special danger to pedestrians or other traffic, or due to the weather or the condition of the public highway.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 5.01; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 5, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter IV - Traffic and Safety Provisions (§§ 5121 — 5128) › § 5123 - Very slow speed and penalties

(a) It shall be illegal for any person to drive a vehicle or motor vehicle on any public highway at a speed of less than twenty (20) miles under the established maximum speed limit. This provision does not apply when safe driving requires reduced speed, or on a hill, or when driving a heavy motor vehicle which of necessity or in compliance with the law is driven at a slow speed. An infraction of this provision shall be punished as an administrative fault, with a fine of fifty dollars ($50).
(b) When the Secretary or the local authorities, determine, within their respective jurisdictions, on the basis of research on traffic engineering, which reduced speeds on any stretch of a public highway consistently hinder the normal and reasonable flow of traffic, the Secretary, or the local authorities may determine and declare a minimum speed limit under which no person shall drive a vehicle, except when it is necessary to drive safely or in compliance with the law. Any violation of a minimum speed limit shall be punished as an administrative fault with a fine of fifty dollars ($50).
(c) On those public highways in which there are two (2) or more traffic lanes in the same direction it shall be illegal to drive in the left lane at a speed below the maximum established speed limit on the public highway. This provision does not apply when reduced speed is needed for safe driving for justifiable reasons. A violation of this provision shall be punished as an administrative fault with a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 5.03; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 5, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004.