Driving in Colombia carries legal responsibilities that many are not aware of. Law No. 769 of 2002, known as the National Land Traffic Law, clearly defines the obligations of drivers, pedestrians and road users. Ignorance of these rules or intent to evade them can result in a prison sentence of up to 12 years for using counterfeit driver’s licenses.
The National Land Traffic Law governs the entire national territory and regulates the movement of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and traffic agents, whether on public or private roads open to the public.
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Its first article states that “the rules of this code apply to the entire national territory and regulate the movement of pedestrians, users, passengers, drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, traffic officers, and vehicles on public or private roads open to the public.”
Likewise, it respects the provisions of Article 24 of the Political Constitution, which recognizes the right of every Colombian to move freely throughout the national territory, with restrictions imposed by law. In order for citizens to drive legally, they must have two mandatory documents: a driver’s license and a traffic licence, also known as a property card.
The first is a public, personal and non-transferable document, issued by the competent authority, which allows a person to drive vehicles throughout the national territory. The second identifies the car’s identity, certifies its ownership, and authorizes its circulation. The authorities insist on the necessity of obtaining these documents by following official procedures and avoiding any illegal practices.
Driving with a fake driver’s license is a serious crime in Colombia. Article 291 of the Penal Code stipulates that whoever uses a forged public document: Even if you were not directly involved in the fraud, you could face four to twelve years in prison.
When it comes to a false vehicle document, the minimum sentence is increased by half, bringing the range to six to twelve years in prison. This ruling applies to both those who forge and those who use forged documents. It should be noted that the law does not differentiate between the creator of a forged document and its user.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the traffic police have identified three types of drivers who resort to fake licenses in Colombia. The first group consists of holders of suspended licensesmainly for offenses related to drink driving, and those who seek to continue driving despite legal restrictions.
The second group represents people who do not meet the legal or financial requirements to obtain a license. Including conditions of health, age or ability required by law.
finally, There are those who decide to evade the official procedures for obtaining a license. Avoid courses and exams, and turn to therapists who, in most cases, give them fake documents and deceive them in the process.
Using a fake license not only means severe criminal penalties, but can also result in your vehicle being immobilized and open court records.Which affects future actions and job opportunities. The authorities stress that no processor can issue original documents outside official channels and that attempting to evade legal procedures increases the risk of arrest and conviction.
next to, Law enforcement directly contributes to road safetyAvoid accidents and ensure all drivers comply with applicable standards.
To trade legally, citizens must adhere to the requirements set by law, including having a valid driver’s license and the corresponding traffic licence. Law No. 1124 of 2007, which amended the Penal Code, clearly states that carrying or using forged documents related to motor vehicles is a crime punishable by six to twelve years in prison, even if the driver did not participate in the forgery.
For this reason, the authorities stress that obtaining documents through official channels is not only a legal duty, but also a measure of personal and collective protection on Colombian roads.