Motorcyclists face 10 to 20 years in prison for causing death while stunting

Santo Domingo.- Those who cause the death of one or more people through the use of motor vehicles during unauthorized racing, stunts (wheelies), or illegal competitions on public roads will be punished with up to 20 years in prison. This includes a fine ranging from 20 to 30 times the public sector minimum wage.

According to Article 113 of the new Penal Code, approved this week by the National Congress, in cases where there are no deaths but mutilations or permanent disabilities, the law imposes penalties of 5 to 10 years in prison, in addition to fines of 10 to 20 minimum wages.

Even when the result is “only” the infliction of blows or injuries, the regulations provide for penalties of two to three years in prison, accompanied by fines of between nine and 15 times the public sector minimum wage, which demonstrates the State‘s decision to apply a stricter sanctioning regime to a phenomenon that seriously compromises road safety.

The inclusion of this article responds to a growing concern about the rise of so-called “death races , “ which are held illegally on the country’s avenues and highways, with a high level of participation among young people and, in many cases, driven by social media.