By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
SENATOR Celina R. Babauta will introduce in the next Senate session Senate Bill 24-55, or the Patrick Henry Camacho Castro Act, to impose increased penalties for traffic violations within designated areas established as “higher fine zones.”
Castro was hit by a motorist while riding his bicycle on a poorly lit portion of Middle Road in Sadog Tasi in November. The area, according to S.B. 24-55, is known to residents for its high rate of traffic accidents. The bill is named in memory of Castro and is intended to serve as a solemn reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the urgent need for stricter measures to deter such behavior on CNMI roadways.
S.B. 24-55 seeks to establish “higher fine zones,” where fines for traffic violations would be doubled. It would require the Department of Public Safety to use automated enforcement technologies, including radar, safety cameras, or other approved devices, to enforce compliance within the zones.
The bill also proposes to impose triple the standard fine for motorists who commit a second offense, and triple the standard fine plus a suspension of the driver’s license for a third offense.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
