Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić, along with Minister of the Interior Danilo Šaranović, Assistant Chief of the Podgorica Police Department Milan Radusinović, and Traffic Safety Unit Commander Ratko Furtula, toured traffic patrols at multiple locations in Podgorica today. During this visit, Deputy Prime Minister Bečić announced that the proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Safety Law have officially entered the public consultation phase.

During the occasion, Bečić highlighted that there are no longer any untouchables in Montenegro—whether on the roads or within the institutions. He stated that individuals who violate the law will face repercussions, while those who uphold it will be safeguarded. According to him, road safety is a matter of national dignity, asserting that a state that cannot protect pedestrians and other road users will eventually find it challenging to protect itself.

In recent weeks, traffic inspections throughout Montenegro have seen a significant increase. Just a few days ago, it was reported that 122 individuals were detained for serious traffic violations within a mere 72-hour period—about 50% of these within the jurisdiction of the Regional Security Center Central, he noted.

At this point, we inform the public that the Working Group established by the Minister of the Interior—responsible for drafting the proposed changes to the Road Traffic Safety Law—has completed its tasks. Therefore, I am announcing that the Draft Law will now undergo public debate, Bečić stated while discussing key proposed changes to the legislation.

Among the significant proposed changes is the introduction of a “young driver” category, which pertains to drivers aged 18 to 21. Specific restrictions for this group include a ban on operating motor vehicles between 11 PM and 6 AM and prohibitions on driving B-category vehicles with engine power exceeding 80 kW, unless accompanied by a family member who holds a valid driver’s license for at least 5 years.

Bečić also announced the first legal regulations regarding electric scooters under the designation of “light electric vehicles.” A proposal has been made to prohibit electric scooter use by individuals under 16 years of age. It will also be forbidden to carry passengers or use headphones while riding scooters, and wearing helmets will be required. When bike lanes or pathways are unavailable, scooters may only be operated on the roadway where the speed limit does not exceed 30 km/h—or up to 50 km/h for individuals over 18 years old, as stated by Bečić.

He also mentioned that legal responsibilities for parents and guardians regarding underage use of electric scooters will be established. The proposed amendments include provisions for holding parents or guardians liable for allowing children under 16 to operate electric scooters on public roads in violation of the law.

Bečić emphasized that police officers will receive enhanced powers, including the establishment of a unified information system in vehicle inspection stations and expanded authority to temporarily seize vehicles from individuals who have been convicted of serious traffic offenses within the last two years.

In closing, Bečić urged citizens and stakeholders to actively engage in the public consultation process.

The public consultation period will last for 30 days. I encourage all interested parties to participate by sharing their opinions, comments, and suggestions. Our objective is to refine this legislative proposal before it is finalized by the Government and presented to Parliament for further consideration and approval, concluded the Deputy Prime Minister.