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 XV - Public Service Vehicles (§§ 5481 — 5485) › § 5483 - Private vehicles unlawfully engaged in the transportation of passengers or freight for pay

The following standards shall prevail regarding the unlawful use of private vehicles to transport persons or freight for pay:
(a) It shall be unlawful to devote any motor vehicle to the transportation of persons or freight for pay without previously complying with the legal requirements regarding public service vehicles, as well as to solicit, invite, call or ask by word of mouth or signal any person or persons to use the same or permit the use thereof by any such persons for such a purpose.
(b) Any person who violates the above provision shall incur a misdemeanor and if convicted, punished with a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000). Furthermore, the court shall suspend his/her driver’s license for a term of not less than one (1) year for the first conviction and two (2) years for a second conviction. Should there be a third conviction, the driver’s license shall be permanently revoked.
(c) In every case in which the court finds a person guilty of violating the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, said court may also direct the Police to seize the license plates and permit of the vehicle involved in said violation for a term of not more than six (6) months as of the date of said conviction, without right to a refund of the fees paid for said license plates and permit corresponding to the term of the suspension or seizure. The Secretary shall not issue for the same vehicle new license plates or registration of any kind in favor of the person in whose name said vehicle appears registered as of the date of the violation, until the term of the suspension or seizure has expired.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 16.03, 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 XV - Public Service Vehicles (§§ 5481 — 5485) › § 5484 - Revocation or suspension of permits

The Public Service Commission of Puerto Rico is likewise authorized to seize or order the seizure of the permit and license plates of any vehicle authorized to transport persons or freight for pay whenever its permit, certificate of public convenience and necessity or franchise has expired, has been revoked or suspended for just cause and after a hearing has been held, or whenever said vehicle is in such poor working order as to constitute a threat to the public safety. Once the permit and license plates have been seized, the Commission shall retain the same until it has reached a final determination and shall then notify the Secretary so that the latter may refrain from issuing any new permits or license plates of any kind to the same vehicle.
When in the judgment of the Commission the grounds for such a revocation or suspension no longer exist, the latter shall return the license plates and permits to their owner or order the Secretary to issue these.
In the event the revocation or suspension of the permit of any of the motor vehicles referred to in this section is ordered, the owner thereof shall be entitled to a reimbursement by the Secretary of the Treasury of Puerto Rico of the proportional amount corresponding to the unexpired months of the current fiscal year from the total paid by said owner.
The Commission shall be authorized to suspend the public service vehicle permits and license plates of any person who, by means of scanners or any other technology to such effects, warns other persons of the presence of the Puerto Rico Police during clandestine races, speed trials, acceleration contests, and drag races on the state and municipal highways of Puerto Rico, when they are not authorized by the Secretary.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 16.04; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 16, 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 XV - Public Service Vehicles (§§ 5481 — 5485) › § 5485 - Unlawful acts and penalties

It shall be unlawful for the owner of a public heavy motor vehicle deemed as a working tool, as established by the Commission, to allow another person to drive said vehicle if the requirements provided by this subchapter for such cases have not been complied with, or to drive a public heavy motor vehicle deemed as a working tool if said person is not the owner of said vehicle or is not authorized to drive the latter pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter.
Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an administrative traffic fault and punished with a fine of fifty dollars ($50).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 16.05, 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 XVII - Driving Schools (§§ 5521 — 5525) › § 5521 - Basic rule

No person shall operate a driving school unless authorized by a permit to such effect issued by the Secretary. Such an authorization shall be granted upon payment of an annual fee of one hundred dollars ($100).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 18.01, renumbered as § 17.01 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XVII - Driving Schools (§§ 5521 — 5525) › § 5522 - Requirements for license or permit

Any person who wishes to operate such a school shall be of legal age and enjoy such moral standing as to engage in such training, and shall have the training equipment required by the Secretary through regulations. Those persons who work in such schools as instructors shall likewise meet the above mentioned requirements as to age and moral standing and have the ability, experience and license needed to operate the motor vehicles used to train others.
The Secretary shall cooperate with the operation of said schools so that they may provide the best instruction to their students as to the efficient and responsible handling of the motor vehicles and to a thorough knowledge of the applicable traffic regulations pursuant to this chapter and its regulations, with particular emphasis on safety considerations.
Any person to whom such a permit has been refused or whose permit has been cancelled may, within twenty (20) days following the date of the notice of said refusal or cancellation, request reconsideration of the decision of the Secretary, who shall rule on the matter within twenty (20) days after the request has been filed. Only after the reconsideration has been decided may a petition for review be made as established in § 5042 of this title.
All notices served by the Secretary shall be perfected as set forth in § 5042 of this title.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 18.02, renumbered as § 17.02 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XVII - Driving Schools (§§ 5521 — 5525) › § 5523 - Operation

All training shall be conducted in motor vehicles that are in good working order and fit for such a purpose, as approved by the Secretary.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 18.03, renumbered as § 17.03 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XVII - Driving Schools (§§ 5521 — 5525) › § 5525 - Unlawful acts and penalties

Any person who operates a motor vehicle driving school without being duly authorized by the Secretary shall incur a misdemeanor and if convicted, be punished with a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).
Any person authorized to operate such a school that violates all other provisions of this subchapter or the regulations promulgated by the Secretary to such effect, shall incur an administrative fault and punished with a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 18.05, renumbered as § 17.04 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, §§ 17, 18 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 XVIII - Provisions on Car Rentals and Leases (§§ 5551 — 5553) › § 5551 - Basic rule

No person engaged in the business of renting automobiles to be driven by those who rent them may not rent or lease a motor vehicle to another person until after having examined his/her driver’s license and verified that said person is lawfully authorized to drive. Any person engaged in the business of renting motor vehicles to persons who intend to obtain a driver’s license of whatever category shall also be subject to the administrative standards that regulate the road test areas as provided by the Secretary.
Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall incur a misdemeanor and if convicted, punished with a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 19.01, renumbered as § 18.01 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XVIII - Provisions on Car Rentals and Leases (§§ 5551 — 5553) › § 5552 - Registers

Any person authorized by the commission who is engaged in the business of renting or leasing automobiles to be driven by those who rent or lease them, shall keep a register of the license plate number of the motor vehicle rented or leased, the number of the driving license of the person renting it, with his/her name and address and the place or jurisdiction where said driving license was issued. Such a register shall always be available for inspection by the members of the police force, the municipal police or any personnel of the department designated by the Secretary.
Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall incur a misdemeanor and if convicted, punished with a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).
Any person engaged in the business of renting automobiles to be driven by those who rent them so as to take the driver’s examination in order to obtain any of the licenses issued by the Department, must register with the Department and comply with all the provisions established by the Secretary through regulations.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 19.02, renumbered as § 18.02 and amended on June 3, 2004, No. 132, §§ 17, 19, 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 XVIII - Provisions on Car Rentals and Leases (§§ 5551 — 5553) › § 5553 - Special provision regarding the rental of motorcycles in the Island Municipalities of Culebra and Vieques

Businesses authorized to rent motorcycles to be used exclusively in the jurisdiction of the Island Municipalities of Culebra and Vieques shall meet the requirements established in subsection (f) of 5056a of this title.
Businesses authorized under this section shall keep a registry that shall include the name, last name, address, telephone, place of residence, a copy of the lessee’s driver’s license, and any event or incident in relation to the lessee and the motorcycle. The owner of the motorcycle rental company or business shall require the lessees in writing to comply with the equipment and the safety precautions established in § 5296 of this title. These registries may be inspected by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Puerto Rico Police Department, the Municipal Police Department of Culebra or Vieques (in their respective jurisdictions), the Senate of Puerto Rico and the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, added as § 18.03 on July 29, 2011, No. 166, § 3, 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 XIX - Suspension and Revocation of Licenses and Notice of Judgement and Renewal of Permits or Special Authorization (§§ 5581 — 5584) › § 5581 - Basic rule

Whenever the suspension of driver’s license is in order because the person holding said license has been convicted of more than one (1) offense or fault, the longer suspension period shall absorb the shorter suspension period or periods, except when otherwise provided by law.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 20.01, renumbered as § 19.01 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XIX - Suspension and Revocation of Licenses and Notice of Judgement and Renewal of Permits or Special Authorization (§§ 5581 — 5584) › § 5582 - Notice of judgement and remittal of license to Secretary

Whenever by virtue of the provisions of this chapter or its regulations a court suspends or revokes the license of a person authorized to drive a motor vehicle, the judge shall seize the license of the driver involved and the clerk of the sentencing court shall forward the same to the Secretary together with a certified copy of the sentence clearly indicating the terms of the suspension or revocation as well as the driver’s license and Social Security numbers and any other personal data deemed pertinent by the Secretary.
Within ten (10) days after the sentence has been rendered against any person convicted of violating the provisions of this chapter and its regulations, the clerk of the sentencing court shall be duty bound to serve notice thereof to the Secretary.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 20.02, renumbered as § 19.02 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XIX - Suspension and Revocation of Licenses and Notice of Judgement and Renewal of Permits or Special Authorization (§§ 5581 — 5584) › § 5583 - Enforcement of suspension or revocation of driver’s licenses

When a person has been convicted of an offense which, had he/she been a licensed driver, would have entailed suspension of his/her license, the Secretary shall not issue to said person a driver’s license for a period equal to the one such a suspension would have entailed, starting from the date of the conviction.
When the penalty of suspension is imposed on a driver whose license has been already suspended, the term of such a suspension shall begin when the term of the first suspension has expired.
Should any provision of this chapter require the permanent revocation of the license or licenses, the convicted defendant shall forever be barred from being authorized to drive any motor vehicle on the public roads. Should the convicted defendant hold a learner’s permit any suspension of a license shall be deemed to include such a learner’s permit.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 20.03, renumbered as § 19.03 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XIX - Suspension and Revocation of Licenses and Notice of Judgement and Renewal of Permits or Special Authorization (§§ 5581 — 5584) › § 5584 - Altering of heavy motor vehicles and failing to obtain the unloaded weight certificate

The certification of the weight of vehicles shall be required for the annual renewal of the license of heavy motor vehicles. Every heavy motor vehicle that has been modified after the certification in effect, shall be certified anew.
The altering of a heavy motor vehicle shall be sufficient cause to suspend or revoke its license.
Compliance of the provisions of § 5457 of this title could be sufficient cause to for the immediate and indefinite canceling and revoking of the certification of the weight of the vehicle and the applicable rights pursuant to this Act or by regulation, including the issuing of a special permit or authorization.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, added as § 19.04 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 20, 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 XX - Commonwealth and Local Powers (§§ 5601 — 5609) › § 5601 - General powers

The Secretary is hereby authorized to establish through regulations any other provisions necessary for the use, by vehicles and pedestrians, of the public roads according to public safety requirements and to the need for orderly traffic movement or mandated by the characteristics and use of the public roads and specific portions thereof or by the characteristics and use of the various vehicles traveling on or parked along the public roads.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 21.01, renumbered as § 20.01 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XX - Commonwealth and Local Powers (§§ 5601 — 5609) › § 5603 - Uniform application throughout Puerto Rico

The provisions of this chapter shall apply throughout Puerto Rico and no local authority may promulgate or enforce any ordinance whatsoever on any matter covered by the provisions of this chapter unless expressly authorized by the Secretary regarding public roads outside his/her jurisdiction.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 21.03, renumbered as § 20.03 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XX - Commonwealth and Local Powers (§§ 5601 — 5609) › § 5605 - Authority to close unmarked pedestrian crosswalks

The Secretary and the local authorities, in their respective jurisdictions may, after conducting traffic and engineering surveys, designate those places with unmarked crosswalks where pedestrians may not cross or where pedestrians shall yield the right of way to vehicles.
Said restrictions shall be put into effect only when official devices to regulate traffic indicating the same have been installed.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 21.05, renumbered as § 20.05 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XX - Commonwealth and Local Powers (§§ 5601 — 5609) › § 5606 - Regulations on buses or school buses

The Department of Education, together with the Department of Transportation and Public Works and the Public Service Commission, shall adopt and enforce regulations according to the provisions of this chapter regarding the transportation of students on all buses or school buses.
Provided, That such regulations shall require, without it being construed as a limitation, that the operators of such vehicles be of legal age, that they do not appear in the Register of Persons Convicted of Sex Offenses and Child Abuse, created by virtue of §§ 536 et seq. of Title 4, and have provided the Public Service Commission with a Negative Criminal Record issued by the Superintendent of the Puerto Rico Police. Likewise, they shall submit every year to a drug screening test to be regulated by said Commission. Likewise, the Secretary shall require to all persons engaged in rendering school transportation services a certification of having taken a course on safe student transportation. Said course shall be offered by the Department of Transportation and Public Works or by private entities authorized by the Department, which shall regulate all that pertains to offering such course. In addition, they must take a first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation course. Said course shall be offered by the State Emergency Management Agency or the Medical Emergencies Administration, or the agency with which the Public Service Commission coordinates the same at a nominal cost.
Any person operating a bus or school bus under contract with the Department of Education who fails to comply with any of said regulations shall be guilty of breach of contract and said contract shall have to be cancelled after the responsible official has notified said person about the holding of a hearing.
Any person operating a bus or school bus who is not under contract with the Department of Education, and who violates any of the provisions of said regulations, shall incur a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 21.06, renumbered as § 20.06 and amended on June 3, 2004, No. 132, §§ 17, 21; May 11, 2010, No. 50, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter XX - Commonwealth and Local Powers (§§ 5601 — 5609) › § 5607 - Designation of authorized emergency vehicles

The Secretary may designate a specific vehicle as an authorized emergency vehicle after determining that such a designation is necessary for the preservation of life or property or to conduct emergency government functions.
The designation shall be made in writing and the document evidencing such designation shall be carried in the vehicle or motor vehicle at all times. The vehicle shall also bear a distinctive marking visible from the outside that identifies it as such.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 21.07, renumbered as § 20.07 and amended on June 3, 2004, No. 132, §§ 17, 21, 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 XX - Commonwealth and Local Powers (§§ 5601 — 5609) › § 5608 - Removal of trees and objects

Any owner of real property is under the obligation to remove from said property any tree, plant, bush or other obstruction or part thereof which by blocking the visibility of the drivers constitutes a danger to the public safety.
When the Secretary or any local authority determines on the basis of a traffic or engineering survey that such a danger exists, they shall notify the owner of the fact and order that the object in question be removed within ten (10) days as of the date of the notice.
Should the owner fail to remove said object within ten (10) days, he/she shall incur a misdemeanor and if convicted, be punished with a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100). After the ten (10) days have elapsed, each subsequent day in which the owner refuses to remove the same shall be deemed as a separate and independent offense.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 21.08, renumbered as § 20.08 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XX - Commonwealth and Local Powers (§§ 5601 — 5609) › § 5609 - Administrative hearings

In all cases where by virtue of this chapter the Secretary may or should grant a hearing to any person who could be directly affected by his/her decision, the Secretary shall have, among others, the following powers:
(a) To delegate his/her authority to any subordinate official or officials.
(b) To hold as many hearings as he/she may deem necessary.
(c) To administer oaths, summon and examine witnesses, take testimonies, make inquiries and ocular inspections and investigations and require the disclosure of the books and documents or copies or extracts thereof he/she may deem necessary.
(d) The Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico shall have jurisdiction to punish for contempt any person who during the course of an administrative hearing behaves in a disorderly manner, shows disrespect towards the Secretary or his/her delegate, refuses to be sworn, or to testify or answer any question in relation to any administrative hearing; or who fails to obey a subpoena to appear before the Secretary or his/her delegate; or refuses to produce any book or document when so ordered; or hides or destroys said books or documents; or absents him/herself from the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico; or hides him/herself for the purpose of evading service of a subpoena.
The Secretary shall fix, with the approval of the Governor, the per diem and mileage rates to be paid to the witnesses summoned and who appear before him/her.
The party aggrieved or to be aggrieved by the decision of the Secretary may petition the latter to summon such witnesses as said party may deem necessary for the presentation of his/her case, and the Secretary shall do so.
In the administrative hearing referred to in this section, the party aggrieved or to be aggrieved by the decision of the Secretary may appear assisted by counsel and submit all the evidence he/she may deem pertinent.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 21.09, renumbered as § 20.09 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXI - General Provisions (§§ 5621 — 5626) › § 5621 - Liability of motor vehicle owners when fault or negligence is involved

The owner of a motor vehicle shall be liable for damages when fault or negligence is involved while operating said motor vehicle when the same is being operated by or is under the actual physical and real control of any person who, with the main purpose of operating it or having or allowing it to be operated by a third person, obtains possession thereof by express or tacit authorization of its owner. In any event, it shall be assumed that, unless otherwise proven, any person operating or having under his/her control a motor vehicle has obtained possession thereof with the authorization of its owner for the main purpose of operating it or having or allowing it to be operated by a third person.
The person for whose negligence the owner of a motor vehicle is liable under the provisions of this section shall be bound to indemnify said owner.
Absent fault or negligence, the owner of a motor vehicle who is engaged in the lease or rental of motor vehicles shall not be responsible for damages caused to third parties as a result of the use, operation, or possession of said the motor vehicle by a renter or lessee while a short- or long-term lease is in effect.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 22.01, renumbered as § 21.01 and amended on June 3, 2004, No. 132, §§ 17, 22,; Dec. 30, 2010, No. 230, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter XXI - General Provisions (§§ 5621 — 5626) › § 5622 - Unstipulated penalties

Any violations of the provisions of this chapter and the regulations promulgated by the Secretary for which no specific penal sanction has been prescribed, shall be deemed as administrative faults and be punished with a fine of fifty dollars ($50).
The provisions of this chapter and its regulations, pertaining to traffic, shall apply to every driver of a vehicle propelled by motor or muscular energy, including those vehicles that are not deemed to be motor vehicles as described in clauses (a)—(j) of subsection (98) of § 5001 of this title, when such vehicles are operated on public highways, unless the provision, due to its nature, does not apply to the vehicle.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 22.02, renumbered as § 21.02 and amended on June 3, 2004, No. 132, §§ 17, 22, 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 XXI - General Provisions (§§ 5621 — 5626) › § 5623 - Fines on trailers and semi-trailers

The owner of a trailer or a semi-trailer shall be responsible for ensuring that said vehicle is in good working order and that the same complies with all the provisions of this chapter. The fines for violations of this chapter in these cases shall be adjudicated to the owner of the trailer or the semi-trailer, as determined by an attesting document.
In the case of trailers or semitrailer trucks belonging to or represented by shipping companies, the latter shall be liable for the administrative fines imposed to said trailers. The handing of the ticket to the driver of the trailer truck shall be deemed as sufficient notice to the owner of the trailer or semitrailer truck; the license plate of the trailer or semitrailer; the name of the company generating the cargo or the maritime shipping company, the control number of the manifest (bill of lading) related to said freight and the name of the consignee of the freight.
In the case it should it be impossible to identify the owner of the trailer or semi-trailer, the driver shall not move the same and the Puerto Rico Police shall assume its custody. The Puerto Rico Police shall establish through regulations the procedure to notify the owner and to remove the trailer or semi-trailer.
The issue of the traffic ticket or fine to the driver shall be deemed sufficient notice as to the fact that the latter is liable for the ticket. If the responsibility falls on any other entity among those provided in this chapter, the driver of the heavy vehicle shall be bound to deliver one (1) of the two (2) copies thereof to the Maritime Shipping Company so as to also notify the latter, in these cases the tickets shall be remitted by the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works to the person liable for the ticket to his/her official address, who shall then have the opportunity of exercising the government recourse provided by law to appeal the ticket issued, if necessary. Said ticket or fine shall include the license plate of the trailer or semi-trailer; the name of the company generator of the cargo or of the maritime shipping company; the control number of the waybill, of the bill of lading or of the “Trailer Interchange Receipt (TIR)/Inspection Report” and the name of the addressee of the cargo; the administrative fault or infraction committed or any other information provided by the Secretary through regulations.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 22.03, renumbered as § 21.03 and amended on June 3, 2004, No. 132, §§ 17, 22; Aug. 19, 2005, No. 57, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter XXI - General Provisions (§§ 5621 — 5626) › § 5624 - Technological developments

The Secretary is hereby authorized to adopt, regulate and use any traffic control mechanism, device or artifact that may be developed in future as a result of technological advances.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 22.04, renumbered as § 21.04 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXI - General Provisions (§§ 5621 — 5626) › § 5625 - Power to regulate

The Secretary, in conjunction with the commission, shall approve and promulgate the necessary regulations to introduce the provisions of this chapter with regard to fines or infractions of regulations by the concessionaires.
History —Jan. 7, 2004, No. 22, added as § 21.05 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 22, 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 XXI - General Provisions (§§ 5621 — 5626) › § 5626 - Sticker with information for calling when negligent driving is observed

It shall be the obligation of every owner of a truck, carriage, heavy vehicle, public, private or school omnibus, semi-trailer, tractor or trailer, automobile transport van and motor or heavy vehicle, property of the Government of Puerto Rico, the municipalities and the private sector, to attach on the rear part of said vehicle a sticker with visible lettering stating the telephone number to be called to give notice in case any of said vehicles is driven negligently. It is further provided that noncompliance with the above provision shall be deemed to be an administrative fault that shall entail a fine of fifty dollars ($50).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, added as § 21.06 on Feb. 2, 2007, No. 5, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter XXII - Toll Expressways and Limitations as to Their Use (§§ 5651 — 5658) › § 5651 - One-way traffic

All traffic within the boundaries of a toll expressway, including its roadway, entrance and exit ramps and emergency lanes, shall be one way. No person shall drive or operate a motor vehicle or otherwise move the same in any other way except forward, parallel and to the right of the central median.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 23.01, renumbered as § 22.01 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXII - Toll Expressways and Limitations as to Their Use (§§ 5651 — 5658) › § 5653 - Making a turn across median

Except for toll expressway service and maintenance vehicles, Police and Municipal Police vehicles and vehicles of toll expressway personnel in official business, no vehicle may travel or park on the central median of a toll expressway.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 23.03, renumbered as § 22.03 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXII - Toll Expressways and Limitations as to Their Use (§§ 5651 — 5658) › § 5654 - Truck lanes

Trucks and heavy motor vehicles traveling on the toll expressways shall be bound to use only the lanes designated for heavy traffic, except when passing or intending to pass another motor vehicle.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 23.04, renumbered as § 22.04 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXII - Toll Expressways and Limitations as to Their Use (§§ 5651 — 5658) › § 5655 - Limitation of use

The toll expressways shall not be used by:
(a) Pedestrians, except in service, parking or recreational areas especially designated by the Authority for such purposes.
(b) Bicycles.
(c) Motorcycles, except when specifically authorized by the Secretary.
(d) Vehicles pulled by animals.
(e) People on horseback or beasts of burden.
(f) Vehicles transporting animals, foodstuffs or other cargo not properly secured or protected.
(g) Agricultural, industrial or other similar equipment, which has not been designed for transportation on a highway, except for equipment used in toll expressway construction, maintenance, repairs or service projects.
(h) Cattle.
(i) Vehicles with metal, solid rubber tires, or flat tires and vehicles with tractor treads, unless transported on a flat bed trailer or semitrailer.
(j) Vehicles that fail to meet the requirements as to the dimensions, weight and load capacity of those vehicles that the Secretary may determine and regulate as able to travel on toll expressways.
(k) Any other vehicle that in the judgment of the authorized official in charge of the expressway tollbooth constitutes a hazard for the safety of persons and property and which may make the expressway unsafe. No person may use a toll expressway as a landing or take-off runway for airplanes or helicopters.
(l) Vehicles towed, hauled or otherwise transported on the toll expressways by another vehicle that is not duly authorized by this chapter or by the Commission to perform this type of work.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 23.05, renumbered as § 22.05 and amended on June 3, 2004, No. 132, §§ 17, 23; Aug. 10, 2007, No. 107, § 10, eff. 60 days after Aug. 10, 2007.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter XXII - Toll Expressways and Limitations as to Their Use (§§ 5651 — 5658) › § 5656 - Speed zone

The Secretary shall post signs along the expressways indicating the maximum speed allowed by this chapter.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 23.06, renumbered as § 22.06 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXII - Toll Expressways and Limitations as to Their Use (§§ 5651 — 5658) › § 5657 - Applicability

All those provisions of this chapter not in conflict with the special provisions of this subchapter shall apply to toll expressways.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 23.07, renumbered as § 22.07 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXII - Toll Expressways and Limitations as to Their Use (§§ 5651 — 5658) › § 5658 - Penalties

Violations of the provisions of this subchapter and the Expressway regulations promulgated by the Secretary shall be deemed to be administrative faults and shall entail a penalty of fifty dollars ($50). Those speed related violation[s] shall entail a penalty as established in §§ 5121—5128 of this title.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 23.08; Oct. 9, 2000, No. 414, § 20; renumbered as § 22.08 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXIII - Collection of Fees (§§ 5681 — 5687) › § 5683 - Conversion of administrative faults to misdemeanors

When the driver of a motor vehicle or a trailer commits a violation which constitutes an administrative fault and as a consequence thereof causes or contributes to causing an accident resulting in injuries to any person or damages to the property of another, said administrative fault shall become a misdemeanor punishable with a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), a term of imprisonment for a term of not more than sixty (60) days, or both penalties at the discretion of the court.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 24.03, renumbered as § 23.03 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXIII - Collection of Fees (§§ 5681 — 5687) › § 5684 - Payment of damages

In addition to the penalties imposed on the driver for the violation committed under the provisions of this chapter, the court shall fix a reasonable amount for the payment of damages.
The payment of damages consists of the obligation imposed on the driver by the court to pay the injured party an amount in compensation for the damages and losses caused to the property of the latter as a result of the delinquent act.
Said payment shall be fixed to be paid in cash or by the transfer of assets equal to those destroyed or damaged, or by direct repair of the damages. The amounts thus paid or the assets transferred shall be deducted from the amounts the court may impose as judgment in case a suit for damages should arise from the facts. The payment of damages authorized by this section does not include bodily injuries and mental anguish and suffering.
No payment for damages shall be imposed in those cases whereby the driver is able to prove to the court that he/she holds a public liability policy that covers the damages caused by him/her, or that the victim has already been compensated.
The sentence shall be executed by imposing the payment of damages authorized by this section as if it were a judgment entered in a civil case ordering the payment of money as established in Rule 176 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure of 1963, App. II, Title 34.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 24.04, renumbered as § 23.04 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXIV - Exclusive Lanes (§§ 5701 — 5703) › § 5701 - Designation of exclusive lanes

The Metropolitan Bus Authority and Metrobus buses are authorized to use the lanes designated as exclusive lanes on the avenues or roads in which said lanes have been established.
When a bus that is authorized to travel on the exclusive lane has a mechanical breakdown, it shall be removed from said lane if possible, and in the event it has to return to the repair shop, it shall do so, using the exclusive lane, if it is mechanically able to. If, on the contrary, it has to be towed, the most convenient route shall be used.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 25.01, renumbered as § 24.01 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXIV - Exclusive Lanes (§§ 5701 — 5703) › § 5702 - Limitations to its use

No vehicle shall travel on nor park on said exclusive lane, with the exception of the motorcycle patrol units of the Traffic Division of the Puerto Rico Police, in special situations and in the performance of their duty, as well as those authorized by law or by the Secretary, pursuant to the provisions of § 5601 of this title.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 25.02, renumbered as § 24.02 and amended on June 3, 2004, No. 132, §§ 17, 25, 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 XXIV - Exclusive Lanes (§§ 5701 — 5703) › § 5703 - Penalties

Any violation of the provisions of this subchapter and of the regulations promulgated by the Secretary that establish the exclusive lane shall be deemed an administrative fault and shall entail a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 25.03, renumbered as § 24.03 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXV - Special Lanes (§§ 5711 — 5714) › § 5711 - Purpose

With the purpose of promoting the development of public roads that will relieve traffic congestion, and stimulate and encourage citizens to share the use of vehicles, thus contributing to the conservation of resources and the protection of the environment, the Secretary is hereby empowered to establish a special lane or lanes for the exclusive or preferred use of vehicles with more than one (1), two (2) or three (3) occupants, or through the payment of tolls, as provided by regulations.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 26.01, renumbered as § 25.01 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXV - Special Lanes (§§ 5711 — 5714) › § 5712 - Limitation of the use of special lanes

Every vehicle that uses this special lane shall pay a sum determined by the Secretary through regulations, as a toll or fee for its use. Every vehicle that transports more than one (1), two (2) or three (3) passengers is exempted from this payment as provided by the Secretary through regulations.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 26.02, renumbered as § 25.02 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXV - Special Lanes (§§ 5711 — 5714) › § 5713 - Limitation to the use of special lanes

The lanes designated by the Secretary as special lanes for the exclusive or preferential use of vehicles with more than one (1), two (2), or three (3) occupants shall only be used by vehicles during those periods and pursuant to the conditions indicated through official traffic regulating devices and by the motorcycle patrol units of the Traffic Division of the Puerto Rico Police in special situations and in compliance of their duty, as well as those authorized by law or by the Secretary pursuant to what is established in § 5602 of this title.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § [26.03], renumbered as § 25.03 and amended on June 3, 2004, No. 132, §§ 17, 26, 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 XXV - Special Lanes (§§ 5711 — 5714) › § 5714 - Penalties

Any violation of this subchapter and the regulations promulgated by the Secretary that establish the special lane, shall be deemed as administrative faults and shall entail a fine of fifty dollars ($50).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 26.04, renumbered as § 25.04 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXVI - Special Provisions (§§ 5721 — 5725) › § 5721 - Registry of the payment of administrative fines

The Secretary, together with the Secretary of the Department of the Treasury shall execute the coordination needed to achieve an effective on-line integration of its electronic systems for the automation of the procedure to register the payment of administrative fines.
This procedure shall begin to function eighteen (19) [sic] months after the approval of this act.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 27.02, renumbered as § 26.02 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXVI - Special Provisions (§§ 5721 — 5725) › § 5722 - Administrative sanctions

The application of the administrative sanctions established by virtue of this chapter, shall not, in any way, prevent or impair any pertinent civil or criminal action from being filed.
None of the provisions of this chapter that prescribe penalties shall be construed in the sense of preventing the filing of any suit, proceeding, sentence, or punishment pursuant to any other criminal or civil, general or special legal provision.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 27.03, renumbered as § 26.03 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXVI - Special Provisions (§§ 5721 — 5725) › § 5723 - Regulations

All the regulations to be created by virtue of this chapter, shall be drafted, approved and filed in the Department of State of Puerto Rico within one hundred and fifty (150) days counted from the date of approval of this act. They shall be drafted in accordance with §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedure Act”.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 27.04, renumbered as § 26.04 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, 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 XXVI - Special Provisions (§§ 5721 — 5725) › § 5724 - Applicable federal legislation or regulations

Any federal act or regulation approved with regard to vehicles and traffic, after the approval of this act, that is applicable to all the states of the United States of America, shall be valid in Puerto Rico, provided that the Legislature of Puerto Rico does not act on the law or regulation.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 27.05, renumbered as § 26.05 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 17, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004.