The Legislative Assembly approved in first reading a 306,000-colon fine and the loss of 6 points on the license to drivers who refuse to undergo the breathalyzer.
The initiative is included in a set of amendments to the Law on Land Roads Traffic and Road Safety, which were approved with 37 votes in favor and one against.
With the modification, if the driver is not satisfied with the test result, he/she may request another test and if he/she keeps disagreeing, the person may request another test in an accredited center.
But if the test results are positive or higher than expected, the offender must pay the full service.
Variations will allow health centers and public and private laboratories to perform alcohol tests, through accreditation from the Association of Clinical Chemists and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT).
The reforms will also allow police officers to sanction the registered owner of improperly-parked vehicles and to take them when hydrants or private property accesses are blocked.
It also includes penalties for having excessive passengers in a vehicle.
In addition, traffic police will be able to remove the plates from those cars that provide illegal public transport.