Forty motorcycle drivers were arrested and remanded in prison for 72 hours after being caught by the Timorese traffic police driving without a driver’s license.
The 40 drivers were caught during a recent police checkpoint operation conducted in the capital Dili by the National Traffic Police Unit (POLTRANS).
Unit Commander, Chief Inspector Antonio L.C. Soares said Article 207 of the Penal Code states it is a crime in Timor-Leste to drive without a driver’s license.
“So we remanded them for 72 hours, and some we will be sending for a court hearing and cases will go through the courts,” said Commander Soares, in Kaikoli, Dili.
He also said in most cases drivers were told they have six months to get their drivers license.
“If they are caught again driving without a driver’s license they risk getting sent to jail for up to two years,” he added.
Of the 40 drivers arrested, some are still going through the judicial process while others have been released but are expected to be taking steps to get a valid driver’s license.
Meanwhile Member of Parliament (MP) Ilda Maria da Conceicao said POLTRANS acted based on the law but urged for due care to be given before sending someone to jail for two years for not having a driver’s license.
“If for example you catch a student and imprison him or her for two years. How about their studies; if for three days it’s ok. These decisions need to be taken carefully,” the MP suggested.
Meanwhile a resident, Baptista Soares, agrees with the actions of the POLTRANS because all citizens need to weigh their actions carefully because they may have serious consequence.
“But two years in a prison, seems a bit steep,” Soares said.
