A possible new law in Belgium would from now on prohibit the ‘glorification’ of excessive speed. Those who make recordings of speeding or life-threatening stunts and post them on social media could then count on fines of up to 1000 euros and temporary loss of their driver’s license.
The law is now still a proposal from Minister of Mobility Georges Gilkinet. The reason seems to be according to the Belgian gocar a serious accident on March 20 last year, when a man drove into a group of carnival people in Strépy-Bracquegnies. He used to post videos of his “stunts” on the social networks, glorifying speed.
Belgian transport minister Gilkinet told the Belgian newspaper Sudpress that excessive speed, together with distraction and drunk driving, are the three main fatal factors on Belgian roads. “I cannot accept that some drivers use the road as a Formula 1 circuit and then brag about it on social media,” said Gilkinet.
Fines between 40 and 1000 euros
The politician emphasizes that the speed limits in particular must be better respected and that he will submit a bill that will penalize drivers who propagate dangerous driving behaviour. Fines can be handed out from 40 to 1000 euros. The driver’s license can also be revoked for a maximum of one year.
Anyone who glorifies excessive speed or life-threatening stunts on public roads by posting recordings of them on social media can therefore be fined. This can include things like not giving way, slaloming through traffic and making burnouts or wheelies by motorcyclists.
Belgian road safety institute will scan social media
Not only drivers, but also co-drivers or spectators are punishable. Only people who film to denounce inappropriate behavior do not fall under this law or the associated sanctions, according to the Belgians. The Belgian Road Safety Institute VIAS will scan social networks and forward videos to police services, which can then prosecute. The law is due to be introduced this year.
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