The Ministry of Justice is proposing to make the payment of traffic fines simpler and more cost-effective by introducing a principle: timely payment results in a reduced fine. The reform aims to encourage faster and voluntary fine settlement while reducing administrative burden for the State Police and other authorities. Amendments to the Administrative Liability Law are planned to be submitted to the Saeima for consideration.
Justice Minister Inese Lībiņa-Egnere explains: “Within the framework of its audit, the State Audit Office highlighted that the current administrative fine system is ineffective. Bureaucracy has generally increased since the previous reform, yet payment rates have not improved significantly. To address this, the Ministry of Justice proposes a more citizen-friendly system – if individuals act responsibly and pay their fines on time, the state reciprocates by offering more favorable conditions.”
Under the new system, individuals would automatically have the option to pay 75% of the applicable fine for traffic violations if payment is made within 15 days. This option will not apply to serious violations (e.g., drunk driving, cases involving victims) or to violations detected by speed cameras.
To support citizens who cannot pay fines on time due to valid reasons, the Ministry of Justice will also offer additional mechanisms to ease fine enforcement, such as extending the payment deferment up to six months (currently one month) and allowing installment payments for up to one year (currently six months). This solution will also benefit legal entities, enabling them to meet obligations responsibly while balancing their cash flow.
Cases will no longer be immediately forwarded to a sworn bailiff, as is currently the practice, preventing situations where a fine notice, unnoticed in time, is instantly passed on for enforcement.