Harsher penalties on driving while intoxicated among young drivers have resulted in a 70% decrease in repeat offenses, ruv.is reports.
Photo by Páll Stefánsson.
Sigurdur Helgason, project manager for the Road Traffic Directorate, says that a change in traffic laws has also influenced driving among older offenders as well.
The new traffic laws took effect in spring 2007, calling for harsher penalties than the former laws. Under the current laws new drivers are only issued a provisional license, many they face both increased costs and inconveniences if they violate the traffic laws.
The fines for DWI range from ISK 70,000 (USD 550) to ISK 140,000 (USD 1,100) for a first offense.
