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 VI - Driving Motor Vehicles Under the Influence of Alcoholic Beverages, Drugs or Controlled Substances (§§ 5201 — 5210) › § 5206 - Penalties—In the event of serious bodily injury to a human being

If, as a result of a violation of the provisions in §§ 5201, 5202 and 5203 of this title, a driver should cause “serious bodily injury” to a human being, he/she shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be punished by the fines provided in § 5205 of this title, under identical circumstances; and shall also be punished by imprisonment for a fixed term of eighteen (18) months. If there are aggravating circumstances, the fixed penalty thus established may be increased to a maximum of three (3) years; if there are extenuating circumstances, it may be reduced to a minimum of six (6) months and one (1) day. Furthermore, it shall entail the suspension of the driver’s license for a term that shall not be less than two (2) years, nor more than seven (7) years, as well as prevent any other proceeding for the same violations under §§ 5201, 5202 and 5203 of this title. For purposes of this chapter, “serious bodily injury” shall mean such injury that results in physical or mental disability, whether partial or total, temporary or permanent, that severely affects the physiological, physical, or mental functions of a person. It also includes bodily injury that involves a substantial risk of death, loss of consciousness, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement, protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty
If a person who has been convicted of violating §§ 5201, 5202 and 5203 of this title once again violates the same sections, he/she shall be deemed to be a recidivist under the appropriate section.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 7.06; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 7; July 13, 2011, No. 137, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter VI - Driving Motor Vehicles Under the Influence of Alcoholic Beverages, Drugs or Controlled Substances (§§ 5201 — 5210) › § 5208 - Sentence suspended under certain circumstances

The court may suspend the effects of the imposed prison sentence when it concerns a conviction under §§ 5201—5210 of this title with the exception of § 5206 of this title, or that the person is deemed as a recidivist of this chapter, and the person meets the following requirements:
(a) That the results of the chemical or physical analysis show a blood alcohol level of between eight (8) and ten (10) hundredths of one percent (0.08 to 0.10 of 1%).
(b) That the results of the chemical or physical analysis show a blood alcohol level between two (2) and eight (8) hundredths (0.02 to 0.08) of one percent (1%) in the case of truck, school bus and heavy motor vehicle drivers.
(c) That the person voluntarily agrees to render thirty (30) days of community service. The benefit of suspension of the effects of the sentence of imprisonment shall not be available if the result of the percentage of blood alcohol has been reduced based on a stipulation between the defendant and the office of the Government attorney.
The Corrections Administration, in coordination with the Office of Courts Administration, shall establish and maintain a compulsory community works program to which the convicts availing themselves of the benefits of the system provided in subsection (d) of this section may be referred. The main purpose of the program to be established shall be to ensure that by providing certain community services those persons convicted of violating the provisions of this subchapter, are made aware of the risks and adverse consequences that driving a motor vehicle under the influence entails.
To perform the task entrusted, the Administrator of the Corrections Administration may enter into agreements with government and private health centers and hospitals, with non-profit organization and especially with those institutions that provide health and care services to the sick, as well as with private and government entities devoted to promoting traffic safety.
The program to be established shall allow the convict to render community services outside working hours or academic schedule whenever necessary, so as to avoid interruption of his/her employment or academic responsibilities. The community service agreement shall provide for an attendance certificate and an evaluation of the work performed by the convict. In case the person should fail to appear or leave the program, or violate the established rules and regulations, the Corrections Administration shall request that the court annul the order to suspend the sentence and direct that the same be executed.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 7.08; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 7, eff. 90 days 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 VII - Traffic Lights, Signs and Markings (§§ 5221 — 5228) › § 5221 - Basic rule

Every driver who drives a vehicle, motor vehicle or trailer on the public highways of Puerto Rico shall be bound to follow and obey the traffic signs and markings, including traffic lights, placed on the public highways with the purpose of directing traffic, as provided in this subchapter.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 8.01; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 8, 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 VII - Traffic Lights, Signs and Markings (§§ 5221 — 5228) › § 5223 - Pedestrian crossing signs

Whenever a special pedestrian crossing sign has been installed bearing the words “Cross” and “Do not Cross”, the words shall have the following meaning:
(a) Cross (fixed). — Pedestrians may cross the road in the direction of the sign. Vehicles shall not be allowed to move across the crosswalk while pedestrians are crossing.
(b) Cross (blinking). — The pedestrian may cross the road in the direction of the signal, although there may be a possible conflict with those vehicles that are allowed to turn and cross the pedestrian crosswalk. The drivers of all those vehicles must yield right of way.
(c) No Crossing (fixed). — No pedestrian shall start to cross the road in the direction of the traffic light.
(d) No Crossing (blinking). — No pedestrian shall start to cross the road in the direction of the sign, although any pedestrian who has started to cross it with the indication to “Cross”, may continue to walk to the sidewalk or safety median.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 8.03, 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 VII - Traffic Lights, Signs and Markings (§§ 5221 — 5228) › § 5224 - Traffic lane control lights

When there are special lane-control traffic lights installed on individual lanes of a public highway, in which there are lighted green arrows pointing towards the pavement, or a yellow or red “X”, said arrows or “X’s” shall have the following meaning:
(a) Green arrow (steady). — Any driver facing this signal may drive his/her vehicle on the lane over which said special green arrow light is placed.
(b) Yellow X (fixed). — Any driver who faces this signal must prepare to safely leave the lane over which the special signal with a yellow “X” is located, to prevent said lane from being occupied, if possible, when the red “X” turns on.
(c) Red X (fixed). — Any driver who faces this signal shall not enter or drive his/her vehicle or motor vehicle on the lane over which the special traffic light with a red “X” is located.
(d) Every driver who violates the provisions of this section with regard to lane-control traffic lights shall incur an administrative fault and shall be punished by a fine of sixty dollars ($60).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 8.04; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 8, 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 VII - Traffic Lights, Signs and Markings (§§ 5221 — 5228) › § 5226 - Markings on the pavement or curbs

Drivers of vehicles shall obey the markings on the pavement and curbs at all times, in order to obey the limitations indicated in subsections (48)—(52) of § 5001 of this title, and shall likewise refrain from parking, stopping or waiting before a curb painted yellow.
Every driver who violates the provisions of this section concerning markings on the pavement shall incur an administrative fault and shall be punished by a fine of fifteen dollars ($15).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 8.06, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter VII - Traffic Lights, Signs and Markings (§§ 5221 — 5228) › § 5227 - Unauthorized signals and markings

No person shall place, maintain or display any light, sign, notice, sign, advertisements of any sort, or devices or artifacts that purport to be or is an imitation, or appears to be any apparatus or device for the official control of traffic, or that has the purpose of directing traffic flow, or that conceals or interferes with the visibility or effectiveness of any official traffic control apparatus or device, on any public road or in places that are visible from a public road.
Every sign, signal, warning, light or markings prohibited in the above subsections are hereby declared public nuisances, and the authority with jurisdiction over the public road where they are installed is authorized to remove them.
Fines issued to any driver who violates the provisions of this section, shall be covered into the special account of the Traffic Ordinance Corps for its best operation.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 8.07; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 8, 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 VII - Traffic Lights, Signs and Markings (§§ 5221 — 5228) › § 5228 - Illegal actions and penalties

Any person who with malice aforethought steals, destroys or damages the signals, signs, traffic lights, or markings authorized by this chapter or its regulations, shall incur a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), imprisonment for a term of not more than six (6) months, or both penalties at the discretion of the court. The court may, likewise, impose a penalty of rendering community services in lieu of the prison term.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 8.08, 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 VIII - Duties of Pedestrians and of Drivers Towards Them (§§ 5251 — 5254) › § 5251 - Basic rule

Every pedestrian shall obey the indications of the official traffic control devices that apply specifically to them, including the traffic lights to regulate traffic, and the pedestrian crossing signs, as provided in §§ 5222 and 5223 of this title, unless ordered otherwise by a law enforcement officer.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 9.01, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter VIII - Duties of Pedestrians and of Drivers Towards Them (§§ 5251 — 5254) › § 5252 - Duties of pedestrians when crossing a public highway

Any pedestrian who crosses a public highway, shall do so subject to the following provisions:
(a) When crossing an intersection or a pedestrian crosswalk, shall yield right of way to every vehicle that is moving on said highway.
(b) When crossing an intersection shall use the pedestrian crosswalk. If the intersection is controlled by traffic lights, shall only cross with the green light or the indication to “cross” in his/her favor, as provided in §§ 5222 and 5223 of this title.
(c) Between consecutive intersections, any of which are controlled by traffic lights, shall only cross on the pedestrian crosswalks marked on the pavement.
(d) When there are tunnels of other structures built for pedestrian use, they should use them. To such ends, the use of said tunnels or overpasses by persons on bicycles, motor driven or otherwise, or motorcycles and similar vehicles, is prohibited.
(e) No person shall cross a road diagonally at an intersection, unless authorized by an official traffic-regulating device. When diagonal crossing is authorized, pedestrians shall only cross as indicated by the official devices that regulate these crossings.
(f) Pedestrians shall only walk on the sidewalks, and if there are none, whenever it is possible and practical, shall walk on the curb or left hand side of the public road facing traffic and shall not leave the same unexpectedly and rapidly when a vehicle is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield right of way. In the case of funeral processions on foot, pedestrians shall walk on the right side of the public road using no more than half of the roadway.
(g) Any pedestrian who walks on the public highways negligently and recklessly, without paying due attention and care, shall incur an administrative fault and shall be punished with a fine of fifty dollars ($50). If this conduct should cause a traffic accident, the fine shall be of five hundred dollars ($500). If the pedestrian who commits the administrative fault is a minor, the person who has patria potestas, custody or is his/her legal tutor, shall be liable for the payment of the fines imposed for any infraction of this Act and for the payment of any damages caused by said minor.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 9.02; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 9, 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 VIII - Duties of Pedestrians and of Drivers Towards Them (§§ 5251 — 5254) › § 5253 - Duties of drivers towards pedestrians

Any person who drives a vehicle on the public roads shall be bound to:
(a) Yield right of way when there are no traffic lights installed or are not working properly, reduce speed, and stop if necessary, for any pedestrian who is crossing the road on a pedestrian crosswalk on a road where said vehicle is being driven, or when the pedestrian may be in danger when approaching from the opposite side of the roadway.
(b) Not pass another vehicle that has stopped or has slowed down to yield right of way to a pedestrian on a pedestrian crosswalk.
(c) Take the proper precautions so as not to injure any pedestrian, with special precautions when the pedestrians are children, or elderly or disabled persons. These precautions shall be taken even when the pedestrian is improperly or illegally using the public road. The use of the horn, alone, shall not relieve the driver from liability if other safety measures are not taken.
Every driver who violates this section when driving on a public road shall be subject to an administrative fault and shall be punished by a fine in the amount of fifty dollars ($50). Likewise, no driver shall operate an auto cycle, scooter, motorcycle, or any other motor vehicle on public structures such as footbridges. Any driver who operates an auto cycle, a scooter, a motorcycle, or any other motor vehicle on footbridges shall be punished by a fine in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars ($250). No vehicle shall be operated through or on a safety zone at any time.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 9.03, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000; Mar. 12, 2015, No. 28, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter VIII - Duties of Pedestrians and of Drivers Towards Them (§§ 5251 — 5254) › § 5254 - Additional provisions

No person shall park on the roadway of a public highway for the following purposes:
(a) To solicit free rides or offer to watch over vehicles or motor vehicles, free of charge or for pay.
(b) To make collections of any type.
(c) To distribute propaganda of any type.
(d) To lie down or sit on the roadway of the public highway for any purpose.
The Secretary shall establish the regulations needed to authorize the use of a public highway for a person to sell or offer products, objects or items of any sort for sale. The distribution by sale of newspapers on public highways within a radius of one hundred fifty (150) feet from a traffic light shall never be prohibited.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, added as § 9.04 on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 9, 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 IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5281 - Basic rule

Every driver of a motor vehicle or pedestrian on the public roads of Puerto Rico shall be bound to comply with all other provisions of this chapter, including the following [sections].
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.01, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5282 - Emergency service vehicles

As long as an emergency exists related to the use given the vehicle, and until it has ended, the authorized drivers of emergency vehicles, as defined in this chapter, shall carry out the following acts with due consideration of the safety of the persons and property, and provided they use warning devices:
(a) Park or stop their vehicles on the public roads contrary to what is provided in this chapter and its regulations.
(b) Drive on with their vehicles regardless of the indications of a traffic light or sign on the public road by virtue of this chapter and its regulations, but only after having slowed down the vehicle, as necessary, to drive it safely.
(c) Exceed the speed limits established by this chapter and its regulations, or any municipal ordinance, provided this does not endanger lives or property.
(d) Ignore the provisions of this chapter and its regulations on rights of way, turns and the traffic flow.
The above provisions do not relieve duly authorized drivers of emergency vehicles from their duty to drive into account taking the safety of all persons, nor do they exempt them from the consequences resulting from their reckless disregard of the safety of others. The provisions of subsections (a)—(d) of this section shall not apply when the emergency vehicle returns after having completed its emergency mission or when it is not attending to a real emergency situation.
Any driver who pretends to be attending to a real emergency situation without there being one, shall incur an administrative fault and shall be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.02, 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 IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5283 - Funerals and sports, recreational, cultural and social events and military convoys

The following rules shall be observed in the course of funerals and processions, the passing of a military convoy, or sports, recreational, cultural demonstrations and social events:
(a) In the urban zone, and provided that the motor vehicles that participate in them keep a distance of not more than ten (10) feet between them, and are duly identified as participants thereof, the drivers may proceed through intersections notwithstanding the indications to the contrary by lights and signals, provided that the leading vehicle enters the intersection according to the provisions of this chapter and its regulations, and the procession moves in such a fashion that the safety of persons and property is guaranteed.
(b) It shall be the duty of the drivers of motor vehicles that do not participate in said activities, to yield right of way for vehicles that are a part of such parades, processions or manifestations in the abovestated activities.
(c) Commanders of areas, zones, or police districts or those police officers acting as such in their respective areas, zones and districts shall be empowered to grant permits for the use of public highways when so requested to hold any sports, recreational, cultural and social activity, provided that only the portion of the public highway indicated in the permit is used in said activities. When said activities comprise territorial demarcations of more than one (1) police area, said permit shall be granted by the Superintendent, or the municipal authority with jurisdiction, with prior notification to the Puerto Rico Police. When the permit is granted by the Superintendent, he/she may delegate said function through pertinent regulations to such effects, on the respective area commanders. The permits shall be denied when public order so does require or when the main traffic would be substantially affected. The permits listed in this subsection may be denied if requested less than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the hour established for the activity.
(d) Every driver of a vehicle who does not yield right of way to funeral or a religious processions on foot, a civic, political or workers’ manifestation or a military convoy in the exercise of the rights granted thereto in this section, shall incur an administrative fault and shall be punished by a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.03; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 10, 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 IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5284 - Obstruction of drivers’ visibility

No motor vehicle traveling on the public roads may carry on the front or lateral windshield, or side or rear windows, objects such as advertisements, cards, posters, stickers, cut outs or any other material that is not transparent, unless they can be placed on such windshield within an area not greater than seven inches (7′′) by seven inches (7′′) on the lower corner farthest away from the driver’s seat, or on the vehicle’s lateral windows, behind the driver, and placed in such a way that said material does not obstruct the driver’s vision in any direction. Furthermore, no motor vehicle may transport packages or any object that obstructs the driver’s vision in any direction while traveling on public roads.
No person shall drive on public roads with a vehicle equipped with a TV receptor installed in such a way that the televised programs obstruct the driver’s vision while he/she is driving said vehicle.
Any driver who violates this provision shall incur an administrative offense and shall be sanctioned with a fine of fifty dollars ($50) and of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150) in the specific case of TV receivers.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.04; Sept. 18, 2003, No. 277, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5286 - Passing over fire hoses

Every driver who, when driving on the public roads passes his/her vehicle over the hoses of the Firefighters Corps when the same is being used during a fire, alarm or drill or other emergency, except when said hose is duly protected or when a member of the Firefighters Corps or law enforcement officer authorizes said passing, shall incur an administrative fault and sanctioned with a twenty-fivedollar ($25) fine.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.06, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5287 - Due protection to blind person

It shall be the duty of every driver to stop his/her vehicle when traveling through the public roads to yield the right of way to a blind person duly identified as such by a cane or eye-seeing dog.
Every driver who violates this provision shall incur in an administrative fault and shall be sanctioned with a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.07, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5288 - Obstruction of driver’s visibility

No person shall drive a motor vehicle on the public roads with persons, animals or objects obstructing the visibility of the driver towards the front or the sides of the vehicle or that interfere with the control of the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
Every driver who violates this provision shall incur in an administrative fault and shall be sanctioned with a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.08, 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 IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5289 - Precautions when approaching and overtaking a school bus or transportation

Every driver shall obey the following precautions when approaching or overtaking a school bus or transportation:
(a) It shall be the obligation of every driver to stop when approaching or overtaking a school bus or transportation that has stopped on the side of the roadway to pick up or drop off students, even if it has lanes separated by pavement markings, if the driver of the bus or transportation indicates it by signals to such effect, and shall not move on until the bus or transportation has moved on or has stopped operating the signals mentioned above, or the driver of the bus or transportation indicates it by signals to such effect, and in case students are dropped off, when they have all moved away from the public road. Every driver who violates the provisions of this subsection shall incur an administrative fault and shall be sanctioned by a fine of one hundred fifty dollars ($150).
(b) Every school bus or transportation used to transport students must have clearly visible signs on the front and back with the words “SCHOOL BUS” or “SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION” in letters at least eight inches (8′′) high in larger vehicles and six (6′′) inches in smaller vehicles, as defined by the Commission, and signal lights installed as high and spaced as far laterally one from the other as possible, and at the same level. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 5413 this title, said lights must be capable of emitting intermittent red lights of such intensity that they can be clearly visible at a distance of five hundred (500) feet.
(c) Every driver of a vehicle moving on a public road that has separate lanes or controlled access, need not stop when meeting or overtaking a school bus or transportation on a different traffic lane, or when the school bus or transportation is stopped in a loading and unloading zone which is a part of or next to said public road, and where the crossing of pedestrians is not allowed.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.09, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000; May 25, 2011, No. 77, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5290 - Distance to be maintained between vehicles

Every driver shall keep a prudent distance from the moving vehicle immediately before it, with due regard to its speed and the condition of the public road and other circumstances concerning safety. In every case, when the authorized speed limit in the zone is more than twenty-five (25) miles an hour, sufficient space shall be left so that any vehicle can pass and pull ahead of it safely.
It shall be illegal to drive a vehicle at a distance of less than three hundred (300) feet, to wit, ninety-one (91) meters, behind any emergency vehicle, as defined in subsection (100) of § 5001 of this title, when said vehicle is responding to an emergency, except those vehicles on official business.
Every driver who violates the provisions of this section shall incur an administrative fault and shall be punished by a fine of fifty dollars ($50).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.10; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 10, 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 IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5291 - Obligation in intersections of public roads

When crossing an intersection, every driver shall make sure before continuing on his/her way with the vehicle that in the public road through which he/she is traveling there is enough free space so as to cross the intersection and pass the same without interruption, even when there is a green light in his favor, so that the vehicle is not forced to stop in the intersection at any time, which could prevent or obstruct the free flow of traffic.
Every driver who violates the provisions of this section shall incur an administrative fault and shall be punished by a fine of fifty dollars ($50).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.11, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5292 - Precautions with animals

Any person who drives a vehicle or motor vehicle on a public highway must take reasonable care when approaching another vehicle drawn by any animal or animals, and if necessary, shall slow down or stop the vehicle and yield the right of way.
The owners or persons in charge of animals shall not allow them to run loose or to be in the care of children under fourteen (14) years of age except in the company of an adult, or let them graze, or tie them at the side of public roads.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.12; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 10, 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 IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5293 - Warning by sounding horn

In all places outside of the urban zone where there is poor visibility or when the nature of the public roads or traffic flow make it necessary for security reasons, it shall be the obligation of the driver of every vehicle to give an audible warning with the horn and drive the vehicle as close as possible to the right hand side of the road, except when approaching another vehicle drawn by animals, or any animal.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.13, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5293a - Coasting on neutral on slopes or inclines

A driver who operates a motor vehicle on public highways and drives down an incline or slope shall not set the transmission of his/her vehicle in neutral.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, added as § 10.13-A on June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 10, 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 IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5294 - Sports on public roads

No sports whatsoever shall be practiced or sponsored along the public roads, except when the Secretary or the municipal authorities, as the case may be, authorize them in writing and pursuant to the regulations approved to such effect.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.14, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5295 - Vehicles and persons that obstruct emergency work

The flow of traffic and parking of vehicles on public roads and places within the immediate radius of fifty (50) meters from a fire, automobile accident, disaster or catastrophe of any nature is hereby prohibited when members of the Police, Municipal Police, or Fire-fighting Corps deem it convenient to isolate the area from the traffic of vehicles and persons, to expedite the emergency work and maneuvers. This provision shall not apply to emergency vehicles and others that belong to public service agencies or companies whose duties are related in some way to the existing emergency.
It is likewise prohibited to allow crowds of people on public roads when there is a fire or at the scene thereof, an automobile accident, a disaster, or a catastrophe of any nature with the purpose of watching or prying into the work and operations of the people who are performing their official duties at the scene of the fire, automobile accident, disaster or catastrophe. Excepted from this provision are persons who have families or property at the scene of the disaster and are there because of their natural interest in the accident or disaster.
Any vehicle parked in violation of the provisions of this section, shall be fined according to what is stated in § 5112 of this title.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.15, 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 IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5297 - Conduct of drivers or passengers

Drivers or passengers of motor vehicles shall obey the following rules:
(a) It shall be the obligation of every driver of a motor vehicle from which any object, which may be a hazard or obstacle to traffic, is detached or falls off, to immediately stop and pick it up, or remove it from the pavement, provided this does not put at risk the life and safety of said driver or other drivers or citizens, in which case, the driver shall be bound to take the necessary and pertinent steps as soon as possible with the corresponding municipal or government authorities to pick up or remove said object. This does not exempt the driver of his/her duty to make arrangements with the public sector, when necessary, for complying with what is herein provided.
(b) It shall be illegal for any driver or a passenger in a motor vehicle to drop or throw any object from the vehicle to the public road, which could constitute a hazard or risk to traffic.
(c) It shall be illegal for any person to travel in a motor vehicle in a position that obstructs or limits the movements of the driver or that somehow limits the control of the vehicle’s mechanism.
(d) It is illegal for any person to travel in a vehicle or motor vehicle with his/her legs hanging out of it while the vehicle or motor vehicle is in motion. It shall, also, be illegal to travel in a vehicle or motor vehicle while standing or sitting in the area designated for cargo.
(e) It is illegal to board, dismount, or hang on to a vehicle, motor vehicle or trailer while it is traveling on a public highway.
(f) It is hereby prohibited to transport any type of open container which contains any type of alcoholic beverage with a content of more than one half of one percent (0.5%) of alcohol per volume in the passenger area of any motor vehicle while traveling on a public highway or lane of the country, with the exception of the area designated for storage or the trunk. This measure shall apply to all vehicles or motor vehicles, with the exception of those designated, maintained and used for the transportation of passengers for pay, such as: buses, limousines and motor homes.
Any person who violates the provisions in subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall incur a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be imposed fine that shall not be greater than five hundred dollars ($500).
Any person who violates the provisions in subsections (c), (d), (e), or (f) of this section shall incur an administrative fault and shall be fined a one hundred dollars ($100). Provided, That the provisions described in §§ 5201—5210 of this title may be applied.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.17; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 10; Sept. 27, 2006, No. 205, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5298 - Driving and handling vehicles without the consent of the owner

No person, with the exception of the Police of Puerto Rico, the Municipal Police, or the Traffic Control Corps of the Department, shall drive, remove, or handle a vehicle without the prior authorization of the owner or person in charge of the vehicle.
The Police may remove any vehicle found on the public road after having been informed of the theft thereof, or a complaint having been filed before a judge or magistrate by virtue of which an arrest warrant has been issued on a charge of theft, or embezzlement with regard to said vehicle, or under the circumstances established in § 5299 of this title.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.18, 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 IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5299 - Abandoned, dismantled or useless vehicles

No person shall abandon a vehicle on a public road or any abutting public or private area.
Any vehicle that has been abandoned by its owner on a public road or an abutting public or private area, which has not been removed by said owner as required to do so by the Police, within a term of twenty-four (24) hours, may be removed by any of the persons mentioned in § 5298 of this title, and driven to the site mentioned in subsection (b) of § 5178 of this title, where it will be deposited and available to its owner. When the owner of the vehicle, as shown by the records of the Department, is required to move the vehicle, the Police shall warn him/her that if he/she does not claim its delivery, it shall be disposed of in the same manner and for the purposes stated in said § 5178 of this title.
For the effects of this section, it shall be presumed that a vehicle has been abandoned if it is found unattended on a public road or any abutting public or private area for a period of more than twenty-four hours.
In the case of dismantled or useless vehicles, the procedure established in this section for the disposal of abandoned vehicles shall be followed, provided they can be identified or the owner is known. Otherwise, the vehicle shall be taken to the place mentioned in subsection (b) of § 5178 of this title, in which it will remain deposited for a period of thirty (30) days at the disposal of its owner. If its delivery is not claimed within said period, the Police or the municipality may dispose of it in the manner they deem is necessary.
For the purposes of this section, a dismantled or useless vehicle is understood to be one that lacks a motor or other essential part for its propulsion, and whose control and possession have been abandoned by its owner in the form and for the term indicated above.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.19, 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 IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5301 - Remaining on a public highway when intoxicated or under the effect of drugs or controlled substances

The procedures or tests described in §§ 5201—5209 of this title may be applied to any person on foot, on horseback, or in a vehicle or motor vehicle, or on any other means of transportation, on any public thoroughfare of Puerto Rico, or who travels thereon while in a drunken condition or under the influence of drugs or controlled substances, and who endangers his own safety or the safety of the persons who travel on the public thoroughfares of Puerto Rico. If said person causes a traffic accident as a result of such condition, said person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine that shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment for a term of not more than six (6) months, or both penalties, at the discretion of the court. Provided, that the provisions described in §§ 5201—5209 of this title may also be applied.
The procedures or tests described in §§ 5201—5209 of this title may be applied to any person operating an all-terrain vehicle on any of the public thoroughfares of Puerto Rico or who travels thereon while in a drunken condition or under the influence of drugs or controlled substances. If said person causes a traffic accident as a result of such condition, said person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine that shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment for a term of not more than six (6) months, or both penalties, at the discretion of the court. Provided, That the provisions described in §§ 5201—5209 of this title may also be applied.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.21; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 10, eff. 8 months after June 3, 2004; Nov. 11, 2013, No. 130, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5302 - Police authority

Every driver of a vehicle shall immediately stop when required to do so by a law enforcement officer, to wit: the Puerto Rico Police, Municipal Police, a Ports Authority Officer within ports facilities, or the Ranger Corps of the Natural and Environmental Resources Department, and after being informed of the reason for being detained, and the violations of the law that he/she has apparently committed, said driver shall likewise be bound to identify himself/herself if so requested, by the agent, and shall also show all the documents which according to this chapter and its regulations he/she must carry on his/her person or in the vehicle.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter and its regulations, or the indications of traffic lights and signs, any law enforcement officer may disregard as an exception, what is indicated thereby, or stop or detour traffic on any public highway, if in his/her judgment, exceptional traffic conditions justify it, and it shall be the obligation of every driver of a motor vehicle or pedestrian to obey said order or signal.
Members of the Police or the Municipal Police may stop or inspect any vehicle when, in their judgment, it is being used in violation of this chapter or any other legal provision that regulates the operation of vehicles, or other laws, or when the driver or its occupants are involved in any traffic accident. To such purposes, they shall be authorized to block the passage of said vehicle on any public road when its driver refuses to stop.
Members of the Police or the Municipal Police may use any mechanical or electronic detection apparatus of recognized precision to determine and establish the speed of motor vehicles on the public roads.
No person may willfully disobey or refuse to comply with a legal indication or order imparted by a law enforcement officer with legal authority to direct, control or regulate traffic in the manner provided in this section.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.22; June 3, 2004, No. 132, § 10, 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 IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5303 - Vehicles used in the construction or repair of public roads and public service facilities

Subject to public safety requirements, the provisions of this chapter and its regulations regarding traffic, shall not apply to those motor vehicle drivers whose vehicles are used in the construction or repair of sections of the public road or in work related to public service facilities located on or near public roads, but shall apply to the drivers while they are driving said vehicles from or towards the place where the work is being done.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.23, 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 IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5304 - Driving on the sidewalk

No person shall drive a vehicle or motor vehicle on a sidewalk except on a duly authorized permanent or temporary entrance for vehicles.
Any driver who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an administrative fault and punished by a fine in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.24, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000; Mar. 12, 2015, No. 28, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter IX - Miscellaneous Rules and Provisions (§§ 5281 — 5305) › § 5305 - Using a mobile or wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle

No person shall operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile or wireless telephone, unless the user receives or makes a call using a hands-free device or system. This provision shall not apply:
(a) When the vehicle is not in motion or blocking traffic;
(b) When making calls to or communicating with law enforcement agencies or in connection with any kind of medical or security emergency; it shall be understood as an emergency any situation of immediate risk to health, life, or property;
(c) When using a Global Positioning System (GPS);
(d) When initiating or ending a call; or in the case of emergency vehicle operators, while they are tending to an actual emergency as defined in this chapter;
(e) Provided, That no exception shall apply to bus, school bus, truck, or motorcycle operators.
This prohibition shall include sending and receiving text messages including, but not limited to, electronic mail, short message service (SMS), and personal identification number messages (PIN), among others; it shall be understood as receiving the reading of a received message.
Any driver who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an administrative offense and shall be punished by a fifty dollar ($50) fine. Provided, That 10% of the revenues on account of these fines shall be allocated to the Highway Safety Program of the Traffic Safety Commission.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, added as § 10.25 on Oct. 11, 2011, No. 201, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE NINE - Highways and Traffic (§§ 1-8 — 5725) › Chapter 27 - Vehicle and Traffic Law (2000) › Subchapter X - Provisions Regarding the Use of Bicycles (§§ 5321 — 5324) › § 5321 - Basic rule

The provisions of this chapter regarding the traffic of motor vehicles and the drivers thereof shall cover and be applicable to bicycles and their riders, except those provisions which by their nature do not apply to them. Bicycles riders shall have the obligation of riding with due care and precaution on the public roads.
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 11.01, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.