reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 7 - Regulation of Motor Vehicles and Traffic (§§ 171-178 — 200) › § 196 - Cancellation of license for collisions causing death

The court taking cognizance of the case may decree the permanent or temporary cancellation of the license to drive motor vehicles of any person who is convicted of violating § 328 of the Penal Code of Puerto Rico, or of involuntary homicide, when the death charged to the defendant in such cases has been caused by a motor vehicle, as these are defined under letter (B) of § 2 of Act No. 279, approved April 5, 1946 (Automobile and Traffic Act), and said person constitutes, in the judgment of the court, a menace against the public safety.
It shall be [the] duty of the secretary of the proper court to transmit to the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works a certified copy of the judgment cancelling the license and to transmit to the said Secretary a certified copy of every judgment of conviction entered in cases where the said offenses are charged, whether or not such judgment carries with it the cancellation of the license.
History —May 4, 1949, No. 175, p. 550, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 7 - Regulation of Motor Vehicles and Traffic (§§ 171-178 — 200) › § 197 - Transportation of passengers in motor vehicles not designed therefor

There is hereby prohibited the conveyance or transportation of passengers, either for pay or gratuitously, in motor vehicles which by their structure have not been expressly designed for such conveyance or transportation, including specifically those defined in Act No. 279 of April 5, 1946, as heavy motor vehicles, commercial vehicles and trailers; Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply to workmen engaged in the work of loading and unloading, which workmen shall, together with the driver, travel in the cab of the vehicle, neither to the transportation, in cases of emergency, of injured persons for the purpose of their receiving necessary medical attention, nor to the transportation, in the said cab, of the owner of the vehicle or members of his family.
History —June 17, 1955, No. 78, p. 284, § 1, eff. 30 days after June 17, 1955.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 7 - Regulation of Motor Vehicles and Traffic (§§ 171-178 — 200) › § 198 - Transportation of passengers in motor vehicles not designated therefor—Permits; regulations; insurance

The Public Service Commission is hereby authorized to grant special permits and to set up, subject to the approval of the Governor, the pertinent regulations for the conveyance or transportation of persons in commercial or heavy vehicles for agricultural, industrial, or commercial purposes, or any other purposes which are deemed justified. The said regulations shall take effect after being approved by the Governor and published in one (1) or more newspapers of general circulation. The Public Service Commission is hereby empowered to delegate to the district commanders of the Puerto Rico Police the granting of special permits, provided the applicant as well as the vehicle meet the requirements prescribed in the regulations promulgated by the Commission for these cases. In the case of the conveyance or transportation of workmen in heavy motor vehicles or commercial vehicles not owned by their employer or over which their employer has no control, the said vehicles shall, for the benefit of the workmen so carried or transported, be insured by their owners or by those using them, against all kinds of hazards, and the said vehicles shall also meet all the requirements prescribed by the Public Service Commission in the regulations promulgated by it to that effect.
History —June 17, 1955, No. 78, p. 284, § 2, eff. 30 days after June 17, 1955.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 7 - Regulation of Motor Vehicles and Traffic (§§ 171-178 — 200) › § 199 - Transportation of passengers in motor vehicles not designated therefor—Application to Commonwealth and municipalities

The provisions of §§ 197—200 of this title shall be applicable to the Commonwealth, to the agencies and instrumentalities thereof, to the municipal governments, and to the Government of the Capital.
History —June 17, 1955, No. 78, p. 284, § 3, eff. 30 days after June 17, 1955.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 7 - Regulation of Motor Vehicles and Traffic (§§ 171-178 — 200) › § 200 - Transportation of passengers in motor vehicles not designated therefor—Penalties

Any natural or artificial person violating any of the provisions of §§ 197—200 of this title or any regulation promulgated hereunder, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
History —June 17, 1955, No. 78, p. 284, § 4, eff. 30 days after June 17, 1955.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 11 - Traffic Bureau (§§ 251 — 260) › § 251 - Definitions

Wherever used in this chapter, the following terms shall, except as otherwise clearly indicated in the context, have the following meanings:
(a) Bureau. — The Traffic Bureau of the Department of Transportation and Public Works.
(b) Director. — The Director of the Traffic Bureau.
(c) Commonwealth. — The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(d) Committee. — The Traffic Advisory and Coordinating Committee.
(e) Government agencies. — All departments, authorities, commissions, offices and boards of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(f) Governor. — The Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History —June 29, 1954, No. 92, p. 974, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 11 - Traffic Bureau (§§ 251 — 260) › § 252 - Traffic Bureau established; Director

In line with present requirements, and with a view to solving the traffic problem, the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works is hereby directed and authorized to establish a Traffic Bureau in the Department of Transportation and Public Works during the fiscal year 1954—55. The Bureau shall be under the direction of a Director.
History —June 29, 1954, No. 92, p. 974, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 11 - Traffic Bureau (§§ 251 — 260) › § 254 - Director of Traffic Bureau—Equipment, personnel

The Secretary of Transportation and Public Works shall appoint the Director, who shall be the administrative head of the office and shall develop, outline and perform the functions and duties herein prescribed. The Director must be qualified by training and experience for the task of directing traffic matters. The Director shall be furnished with adequate offices, materials, equipment and personnel. The personnel necessary for carrying out the provisions of this chapter shall be appointed by the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works pursuant to the Personnel Act in force.
History —June 29, 1954, No. 92, p. 974, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 11 - Traffic Bureau (§§ 251 — 260) › § 255 - Director of Traffic Bureau—Duties and prerogatives

For the carrying out of the purposes of this chapter, the Director shall have the following duties and prerogatives:
(a) To outline, develop and carry out programs, campaigns and activities for the purpose of preventing and reducing traffic accidents, and facilitating traffic control on the streets and roads of the Commonwealth.
(b) Make recommendations to, and advise with, the various government agencies with respect to safety campaigns, so that they [may] be carried out throughout the Commonwealth.
(c) To organize and carry out in cooperation with the other government agencies, all campaigns, services, programs and activities aimed at assisting the municipalities of the Commonwealth in controlling traffic and preventing accidents.
(d) To prepare informational and educational material for the promotion of safety with regard to traffic, and disseminate such material through all possible media.
(e) To serve as information and publicity center of all material concerning traffic control and accident prevention.
(f) To cooperate with all public and private entities concerned with traffic problems.
(g) To consider and decide on the merits or flaws of measures and suggestions affecting traffic along the streets and roads of the Commonwealth, and recommend to the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works and the municipalities such measures as will best serve to control, reduce and prevent traffic accidents.
(h) To consider and decide on the merits or flaws of measures and suggestions affecting the laws concerning vehicles, chauffeurs and drivers, and germane laws or ordinances having direct or indirect relationship with traffic, and make pertinent recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works.
(i) To adopt, promulgate, amend, either in whole or in part, the rules and regulations required for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.
(j) To render annually to the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works a written report on the activities and recommendations of the Bureau.
History —June 29, 1954, No. 92, p. 974, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 11 - Traffic Bureau (§§ 251 — 260) › § 256 - Director of Traffic Bureau—Powers

The Director is hereby conferred all reasonable and necessary powers for the carrying out of the purposes of this chapter. The Director is hereby further authorized to recommend, study and examine traffic-control and accident-prevention measures, heretofore or hereafter established by government agencies. He may, likewise, call meetings of the various officials and employees of government agencies having charge of matters related to traffic. He may, likewise, request information and require special survey and information from the various government agencies with respect to traffic control and accident prevention on the streets and roads of the Commonwealth.
History —June 29, 1954, No. 92, p. 974, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 11 - Traffic Bureau (§§ 251 — 260) › § 257 - Cooperation of government departments and agencies

The heads of all government departments, divisions and agencies shall cooperate with the Director and furnish him complete information regarding activities and programs of their various dependencies which are directly or indirectly related with traffic-control and accident-prevention problems. At the request of the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works and with the previous approval of the Governor, the heads of government departments, authorities and agencies shall temporarily assign to the Bureau such technicians and employees as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this chapter.
History —June 29, 1954, No. 92, p. 974, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 11 - Traffic Bureau (§§ 251 — 260) › § 258 - Acceptance of gifts

The Secretary of Transportation and Public Works may, with the previous approval of the Governor, accept, in behalf of the Commonwealth, gifts of property and money to help carry out the purposes specified in this chapter. Funds so received shall be kept under the custody of the Secretary of the Treasury, to be expended in accordance with the terms of the gift.
History —June 29, 1954, No. 92, p. 974, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 11 - Traffic Bureau (§§ 251 — 260) › § 259 - Appropriations

To meet the operating expenses of the Traffic Bureau there shall be annually included in the General Appropriations Act the sum deemed necessary for the carrying out of the purposes of this chapter. The sum of one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000) is hereby appropriated for the Fiscal Yyear 1954-55, which sum shall be broken down as follows:
Personal services $ 100,000 General expenses 75,000
History —June 29, 1954, No. 92, p. 974, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 11 - Traffic Bureau (§§ 251 — 260) › § 260 - Transfer of functions, personnel, etc

The Secretary of Transportation and Public Works is hereby authorized to transfer to and integrate in the Traffic Bureau such functions and activities, personnel, records and properties of his Department as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of this chapter.
History —June 29, 1954, No. 92, p. 974, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2001 - Short title

This chapter shall be known as the “Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority Act”.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 1; Mar. 6, 1991, No. 1, p. 1, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2002 - Authority Created

With the purpose of continuing the government’s work to provide the people with the best roads and means of transportation, to expedite the movement of vehicles and individuals, to relieve in every possible way the hazards and inconveniences caused by congestion on the roads of the Commonwealth, to face the increasing demand for more and better traffic and transportation facilities that the economic growth of Puerto Rico entails, to contribute to the development and establishment of the Transportation Plan defined in this chapter, and to promote the development of the areas around the train stations; a body corporate and politic is hereby created consisting of a public corporation and government instrumentality of the Commonwealth, which shall be known as Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (the “Authority”). The powers and duties of the Authority shall be discharged by the Board of Directors constituted in accordance with § 2020a of this title. The Authority thus constituted shall exercise public and essential functions of the Government. The exercise by the Authority of the powers and authorities conferred by this chapter shall not have any effect whatsoever of vesting the Authority as a private corporation; Provided, however, That in order to attain the goals and objectives set forth by this chapter, the Authority may, as provided further and in relation to certain activities, conduct or engage in certain such activities and obtain the benefit of the profits yielded thereby beyond self-liquidation for the Authority.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 2; June 21, 1968, No. 112, p. 242, § 1; Mar. 6, 1991, No. 1, p. 1, § 2; Aug. 25, 2000, No. 207, § 1; Mar. 21, 2014, No. 41, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2004b - Toll, charge, or tax

The private entity hired for the final design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the transit and transportation facility, public highway and/or its ancillary transit facilities shall be empowered to charge the public for the use thereof the amount of the toll, charge, or tax set forth in the contract entered into with the Secretary or the Authority, or any other agency or department of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any political subdivision thereof to which said authority was delegated and ratified by the Adjudications Board established in this chapter. The income derived from the toll, charge, or tax shall be used for the following purposes:
(a) Recovering the capital invested and expenses incurred in connection with the development, construction, and financing of the construction works of the transit and transportation facility, public highway, and/or its transit facilities.
(b) Repayment or amortization of any debt incurred by the private entity in the construction and operation of the project.
(c) Payment of the costs of collecting the toll, charge, or tax and the operation, administration, and maintenance of the transit and transportation facility, public highway, and/or its ancillary transit facilities.
(d) Reimbursing the government for the costs of the services assigned to it in the contract or services requested by the private entity.
(e) A reasonable profit for the private entity which shall be determined according to the specific provisions of the contract.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, added as § 4-B on Aug. 24, 1990, No. 4, p. 1400, § 2; Dec. 27, 2013, No. 174, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2004c - Requirements and conditions applicable to the private entity

The private entity that wishes to be hired for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the transit and transportation facility, public highway, and/or its ancillary transit and transportation facilities must meet the following requirements and conditions:
(a) Be a corporation, limited liability company, or partnership authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(b) Have a corporate or social capital available that in no way shall be less than five percent (5%) of the total projected investment in the construction of the transit and transportation facility, public highway and/or its ancillary transit and transportation facilities.
(c) It shall show the economic and financial viability of the project.
(d) It shall show it has the managerial, organizational and technical capacity to develop and manage the project.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, added as § 4-C on Aug. 24, 1990, No. 4, p. 1400, § 3; Dec. 27, 2013, No. 174, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2004d - Representative of the public interest

The Secretary of Transportation and Public Works, or the official designated by him, shall be the representative of the public interest. In said capacity he shall have the following faculties and duties:
(a) To ensure that the private entity that has been contracted fulfills its contractual obligations.
(b) To ensure compliance with the financial plan contemplated in the contract.
(c) To inspect the construction projects and installations and services related with the project, as many times as it is deemed convenient and it is reasonable.
(d) To request from the corporation or partnership under contract all data and reports it considers necessary and may reasonably be required in relation to the development of the project, and shall also have the power to examine the books and accounts related to said project.
(e) To submit an annual report to the Governor of Puerto Rico and to the Legislature in relation to the development of the project.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, added as § 4-D on Aug. 24, 1990, No. 4, p. 1400, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2004e - Operation and administration by private entities of existing public highways

Whenever the Highways Authority and/or the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works determine that the public interest requires that an existing highway or a stretch thereof, bridge, avenue or expressway, with its ancillary transit facilities, be converted to a toll road operated and maintained by a private entity, they shall propose the project to the Legislature; said project shall be subject to approval by the Legislature by means of a joint resolution. Once the project has been approved by the Legislature, it shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter.
In case an existing road is converted into a toll road, there shall be an alternate road for the citizenry that is not subject to the payment of tolls.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, added as § 4-E on Aug. 24, 1990, No. 4, p. 1400, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2004f - Adjudications Board

An Adjudications Board is hereby created to award contracts for the final design, construction, operation, and maintenance of highways, constituted by the President of the Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico, who shall be its chairperson, the Secretary of Consumer Affairs, and the Secretary of the Treasury.
This Board shall have the following functions:
(a) To receive the recommendations of the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works, or his delegate, and award the negotiated competitive bids referred to in § 2004g of this title.
(b) To ratify the contracts referred to in §§ 2004a and 2004b of this title, once such contracts have been negotiated by the Secretary, the Authority, and/or the delegate thereof which shall contain the term of the contract, the fare structure of the toll, charge, or tax to be paid by users, as well as the formula for its adjustment during the term of each contract.
(c) To ensure adequate compliance with the regulations and procedures established to negotiate and award contracts and bids.
(d) To approve the regulations referred to in subsection (b) of § 2004g of this title.
(e) To submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature on bids and contracts awarded and ratified by it, and a certificate that establishes that all the procedures and requirements for such awards and contracts provided by law and regulations have been complied with.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, added as § 4-F on Aug. 24, 1990, No. 4, p. 1400, § 6; Dec. 27, 2013, No. 174, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2005 - Public Works—Coordination

(a) The Planning Board or the municipalities declared autonomous pursuant to §§ 4001 et seq. of Title 21, with jurisdiction over the area in question, shall establish in coordination with the Authority Special Development Districts in areas surrounding the train stations. Said districts shall comprise a geographical area not lesser than that of the influence zone surrounding each station and may include one (1) or more land lots or appurtenances, or only part thereof, whether private or public property; Provided, That before establishing a special development district, a public hearing shall be held pursuant to § 62z of Title 23, or §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3. The Authority may take the initiative to request the designation of one (1) or more special development districts, in which case the Planning Board or the autonomous municipality in question shall initiate the process for the public hearing within a term not greater than thirty (30) days counted from the date the Authority completes the corresponding request and said form has been duly filed. The designation of these districts shall be settled pursuant to the provisions of §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3. An equal procedure shall be observed for the elimination, extension, reduction, or any modification of the area of these districts. Once the special development district has been designated, its plan shall overrule any other plan previously approved; Provided, That in the event any person or entity has acquired pursuant to the law any rights to develop which are incompatible with the new plans, the Authority may, if convenient to its purposes, acquire the same by any means available in law, except for the exercise of eminent domain.
(b) The Planning Board or the autonomous municipality in question, before the approval of any public or private construction project to be carried out within the influence zone or a special development district, shall request the endorsement of said project from the Authority. The Authority shall respond to said request within thirty (30) days or before, counted from the date of notice to the Authority.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 5; Aug. 25, 2000, No. 207, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2006 - Public works—Agreements

The Secretary of Transportation and Public Works is hereby authorized to enter into agreements with the Authority for the study, design, construction, repair, maintenance, acquisition of properties and easements, and any other matter necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The Authority may also enter into agreements under which the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works agrees to pay, totally or partially, the cost of repairs, maintenance, and operation of any traffic facilities financed under the provisions of this chapter with funds of the Commonwealth covered into the public treasury.
The Authority shall be bound to provide to the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works the necessary funds for him to perform the obligations incurred by him under the provisions of Joint Resolution No. 94, approved June 26, 1964.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 6, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2006a - Public works—Requirements for the construction of bridges

Any pedestrian bridge that is built over a public thoroughfare and whose design stage begins as of June 1, 2012, shall include in its structure a safety fence that shall cover it. In all existing overpasses for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic whose structural conditions allow for said fence to be included in the design, and for which a certification issued by a structural engineer duly licensed by the College of Engineers and Land Surveyors of Puerto Rico, one safety fence that complies with the height established through regulations adopted by the Highways and Transportation Authority (HTA) for such purpose shall be placed.
The existing pedestrian bridges or overpasses for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic that, on the date of approval of this act, lack a safety fence shall be renovated commencing on June 1, 2012.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, added as § 6–A on May 24, 2012, No. 97, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2007 - Officers and employees

(a) Appointments, removals, promotions, transfers, discontinuances, reinstatements, suspensions, leaves of absence and changes in grade, compensation or title of the officers and employees of the Authority shall be made and permitted as provided in rules and regulations to be prescribed by the Authority in consultation with the Director of the Personnel Office, with a view to establishing a general plan similar, insofar as the Authority shall deem it consistent with the best interests of the Authority, of its employees and of its service to the public, to that which may be in effect for employees of the Commonwealth. The officers and employees of the Authority shall be entitled to reimbursement for, or per diem payment in lieu of, such necessary travel expenses as shall be authorized or approved pursuant to rules and regulations of the Authority. The officers and employees of any board, commission, agency, instrumentality or public corporation, or department of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that may be appointed by the Authority who, prior to such appointment, were beneficiaries of any retirement system or savings and loan fund plan, shall continue to have, after such appointment, the rights, privileges, obligations, and status, with respect thereto that are prescribed by law for officers and employees holding similar positions in the Commonwealth Government.
(b) No person shall hold office as a member, officer, employee or agent of the Authority who has a direct or indirect financial interest in any privately owned enterprise engaged in business transactions with the Authority, or any business whose activities are related with the acquisition, construction, design, operation or maintenance of traffic facilities. Where such incompatibility affects a member of the Authority, his office shall become vacant and the vacancy shall be filled for the time that said incompatibility exists, by the appointment by the Governor of any other head of a department or agency of the Commonwealth, or by another mayor, as the case may be.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 7; June 21, 1968, No. 112, p. 242, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2008 - Funds and accounts

All moneys of the Authority shall be deposited in qualified depositaries for funds of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, but they shall be kept in a separate account or accounts in the name of the Authority. The disbursements shall be made by it pursuant to regulations and budgets approved by the Authority.
The Authority, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall establish the accounting system required for the proper statistical control and record of all expenses and income belonging to or managed or controlled by the Authority. The accounts of the Authority shall be kept in such manner as to segregate appropriately, insofar as advisable, the accounts in respect of the different classes of operations, projects, undertakings, and activities of the Authority.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 8, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2009 - Acquisition of property by Commonwealth for the Authority

Upon application of the Authority the Governor of Puerto Rico or the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works shall have power to acquire, by purchase or expropriation, or by any other lawful means, on behalf and in the name of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and for the use and benefit of the Authority, in the manner provided by this chapter and the laws of Puerto Rico on eminent domain, title to any property or interest therein which the Authority shall deem necessary or convenient for its purposes, including its future requirements. The Authority may make available to said officers in advance such funds as may be needed for the payment for said property, and upon acquisition thereof, may reimburse the Commonwealth Government for any amount paid that shall not have been previously advanced. Upon such reimbursement to the Commonwealth Government (or, if the total cost or price has been previously advanced by the Authority, within such reasonable period as shall be determined by the Governor) the title to property so acquired shall pass to the Authority. When the property has been acquired by condemnation, title thereto shall be conveyed to the Authority by order of the pertinent court through statement to the effect that the Authority has advanced or reimbursed in full the cost or price of such property. The Secretary of Transportation and Public Works may, with the approval of the Governor, make such arrangements as he may deem appropriate for the operation and control of said property by the Authority in behalf of the Commonwealth Government during the period intervening before said title has passed to the Authority. The power hereby conferred shall not limit or restrict in any manner or to any extent the power of the Authority itself to acquire property. The title to any property of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico heretofore or hereafter acquired, and which shall be considered necessary or convenient for the purposes of the Authority, may be transferred to the Authority by the official in charge of said property or having the custody thereof, upon such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Governor or the officer or agency he may designate.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 9, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2010 - Transfers of funds and property

Notwithstanding any legal provision to the contrary, all municipalities and political subdivisions of Puerto Rico are hereby empowered to cede or transfer any property or interest thereon (including assets already dedicated to public use) to the Authority, upon its request and under reasonable terms and conditions, that the Authority deems necessary or convenient to carry out its own purposes. The Authority may transfer the necessary funds to the agencies, departments, instrumentalities, dependencies or political subdivisions, including the municipalities, of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, so that these bodies may perform the functions of construction, operation and maintenance of traffic or transportation facilities that are or may be under the jurisdiction of the Authority, as well as for acquisition of the necessary easements for these purposes, when in its judgment the Authority deems it more convenient to better comply with the purposes of this chapter.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 10; Mar. 6, 1991, No. 1, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2013 - Remedies of bondholders

(a) Subject to any contractual limitations binding upon the holders of any issue of bonds, or trustees therefor, including but not limited to the restriction of the exercise of any remedy to a specified proportion or percentage of such holders, any holder of bonds, or trustee therefor, shall have the right and power, for the equal benefit and protection of all holders of bonds similarly situated:
(1) By mandamus or other suit, action, or proceeding at law or in equity to enforce his rights against the Authority, its officers, agents, and employees to perform and carry out its and their duties and obligations under this chapter and its and their covenants and agreements with bondholders;
(2) by action or suit in equity to require the Authority to account as if it were the trustee of an express trust;
(3) by action or suit in equity to enjoin any acts or things which may be unlawful or in violation of the rights of the bondholders, and
(4) to bring suit upon the bonds.
(b) No remedy conferred by this chapter upon any holder of the bonds, or any trustee therefor, is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy, but each such remedy is cumulative and in addition to every other remedy, and may be exercised without exhausting and without regard to any other remedy conferred by this chapter or by any other law. No waiver of any default or breach of duty or contract, whether by any holder of the bonds, or any trustee therefor, shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent default or breach of duty or contract or shall impair any rights or remedies thereon. No delay or omission of any bondholder or any trustee therefor to exercise any right or power accruing upon default shall impair any such right or power or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such default or acquiescence therein. Every substantive right and every remedy, conferred upon the holders of the bonds, may be enforced or exercised from time to time and as often as may be deemed expedient. In case any suit, action, or proceeding to enforce any right or exercise any remedy shall be brought or taken and then discontinued or abandoned, or shall be determined adversely to the holder of the bonds, or any trustee therefor then and in every such case the Authority and such holder, or such trustee, shall be restored to their former positions and rights and remedies as if no such suit, action, or proceeding had been brought or taken.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 13, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2014 - Reports

The Authority shall submit to the Legislature, annually, a master development plan, containing the program to be executed during the following fiscal year, at the beginning of each regular session. The Authority shall also submit (1) a financial statement and complete report of the business of the Authority for the preceding economic year, and (2) a complete report on the status and progress of all its traffic or transportation facilities, and activities since creation of the Authority or the date of its last such reports to the Legislature and the Governor of Puerto Rico, as soon as possible after the close of the Commonwealth Government’s fiscal year, but prior to end of the calendar year. The Authority shall also submit official reports of its business and activities under this chapter, to the Legislature and the Governor of Puerto Rico, at such other times as it may be required.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 14; Mar. 6, 1991, No. 1, p. 1, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2015 - Commonwealth and political subdivisions not liable on bonds

Except as to any bonds of the Authority the payment of which is guaranteed by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the bonds issued by the Authority shall not be a debt of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or any of its political subdivisions, and neither the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico nor any such political subdivision shall be liable thereon, nor shall such bonds or the interest thereon be payable out of any funds other than those pledged for the payment of such bonds and interest thereon pursuant to the provisions of § 2004(l) of this title.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 15, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2016 - Bonds legal investments and security for deposits

The bonds of the Authority shall be lawful investment, and may be accepted as security, for all fiduciary, trust, and public funds, the investment or deposit of which shall be under the authority or control of the Government of Puerto Rico or any officer or officers thereof.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 16, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2017 - Tax exemption

(a) It is hereby found and declared that the purposes for which the Authority is created and shall exercise its powers are: the promotion of the general welfare, and the increase of commerce and prosperity, and all these are public purposes for the benefit of the people of Puerto Rico in every sense, and therefore, the Authority shall not be required to pay taxes or excises on any of the properties acquired by it or under its jurisdiction, authority, domain, possession or inspection, or on its activities in the operation and maintenance of any traffic or transportation facility, or on revenues derived from any of its undertaking and activities.
(b) The Authority shall also be exempt from the payment of all kinds of fees, taxes, or imposts heretofore or hereafter required by law for the prosecution of judicial proceedings, the issuing of certifications in all offices and dependencies of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the execution of public documents and their registration in any public registry of Puerto Rico.
(c) In order to facilitate the procurement of funds by the Authority to enable it to carry out its corporate purposes, the bonds issued by the Authority and the income therefrom shall be and remain at all times exempt from the payment of income tax.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 17; Mar. 6, 1991, No. 1, p. 1, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2018 - Declaration of public utility

For the purposes of § 2004(i), and 2009 of this title, all traffic or transportation facilities and all other property that the Authority deems necessary and convenient to use in carrying out the purposes of this chapter, are hereby declared of public utility.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 18; Mar. 6, 1991, No. 1, p. 1, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2019 - Agreement of the Commonwealth Government

The Commonwealth Government does hereby pledge to, and agree with, any person, firm or corporation, or any federal, commonwealth or state agency, subscribing to or acquiring bonds of the Authority to finance in whole or in part any traffic facilities or any part thereof, that it will not limit or restrict the rights or powers hereby vested in the Authority until all such bonds at any time issued, together with the interest thereon, are fully met and discharged.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 19, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2020 - Injunctions

No injunctions shall be granted to prevent the application of this chapter or any part thereof.
History —June 23, 1965, No. 74, p. 158, § 20, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2021 - Special Deposit for the benefit of the Highways Authority

The total proceeds of the fifteen-dollar ($15) increase in the fees to be paid for public and private automobile licenses shall be covered into a Special Deposit in behalf and for the benefit of the Highways and Transportation Authority of Puerto Rico, to be used by the Authority for its corporate purposes. Said Authority is hereby authorized to pledge or pignorate the proceeds of the collection thus received, to the payment of the principal and interest on bonds and other obligations of the Authority, or for any other legal purpose of the Authority; and said pledge or pignoration shall be subject to the provisions of § 8 of Article VI of the Constitution of Puerto Rico; Provided, however, That the proceeds of said collection shall only be used for the payment of interest and the amortization of the public debt, as provided in said § 8, until the other resources available, referred to in said section, are insufficient for such purposes, otherwise, the proceeds of said collection in the amount that is necessary shall be used solely for the payment of the principal and interest on bonds and other obligations of the Authority, and to meet whatever other stipulations are agreed upon between the Authority and the holders of said bonds or other obligations.
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico hereby agrees and pledges itself to any person, firm or corporation, or to any agency of the United States of America or of any state, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, who subscribes, or acquires bonds of the Highways and Transportation Authority of Puerto Rico, for the payment of which the proceeds from the increase in the fees paid for public and private service automobile licenses and others, is pignorated as authorized by this section, not to reduce these license fees.
History —Aug. 12, 1982, No. 9, p. 233, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2022 - Declaration of purposes

Given the Fiscal Emergency declared in §§ 9101 et seq. of Title 3, and the key role that public transportation plays in the economic and social development of the Island, this Legislative Assembly has determined that the HTA and the ITA are undergoing a fiscal and operational emergency that directly affects the general welfare of our people. For such reason, it is of utmost importance to restructure the administration and operation of the HTA and the ITA to ensure that the people of Puerto Rico receives public transportation services and to meet all obligations to debt holders. Sections 2022-2034 of this title shall apply exclusively to the HTA and the ITA given the particular economic situation these corporations are undergoing. By December 31, 2012, the HTA’s debt with the GDB exceeded $2.2 billion and lacked a source of repayment. Such debt is the result of the former practice of financing the operating deficits of the HTA and the need for capital investments through lines of credit with the GDB without a clear source of repayment to meet such obligations. This Legislative Assembly hereby determines and declares that the authority granted in Sections 2022-2034 of this title serves the best interests of the people of Puerto Rico.
History —Jan. 15, 2015, No. 1, § 3.01.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2024 - HTA and/or ITA Improvement Agreement

(a) If it is concluded that a financial or operational problem may be solved satisfactorily upon the execution of an Improvement Agreement, the Oversight Committee shall execute said Agreement with the Directors of the HTA and/or the ITA to implement corrective measures as are necessary to address the identified financial and operational problems within a period that shall not exceed ten (10) days after the Study is published. The Agreement may establish all the terms and conditions that the Oversight Committee deems necessary to address the identified financial and operational problems. The Improvement Agreement shall be ratified by the Board of Directors of the HTA created under Act No. 41-2014, and the Board of Directors of the ITA created under §§ 11161 et seq. of Title 23.
(b) If the Oversight Committee and the HTA and/or the ITA fail to execute the Improvement Agreement within (10) days after the Study is published, or if the Oversight Committee determines that the HTA and/or the ITA has failed to meet the terms established in the Improvement Agreement, the Oversight Committee shall appoint an Emergency Officer to the HTA and/or the ITA in accordance with § 2025 of this title.
History —Jan. 15, 2015, No. 1, § 3.03.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 15 - Highway and Transportation Authority (§§ 2001 — 2035) › § 2025 - Fiscal and Operational Emergency in the HTA and/or the ITA

(a) If the Oversight Committee concludes that the financial or operational problem may not be effectively solved upon the execution of an Improvement Agreement as provided in § 2023(f) of this title, or if the conditions provided in § 2024(b) of this title are met, the Committee shall appoint an Emergency Officer to the HTA and/or the ITA, as appropriate, and must notify such determination to the HTA and/or the ITA within a term that shall not exceed ten (10) days after the Study is submitted.
History —Jan. 15, 2015, No. 1, § 3.04.