Curaçao Prosecutor's Office Warns Drivers: Traffic Fines Can Reach XCG 500

WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Public Prosecutor's Office has published a series of reminders warning motorists about the financial consequences of violating traffic regulations. The penalties cover common offenses, including driving without a seat belt, running red lights, using a mobile phone while driving, and operating a vehicle without valid insurance or registration documents.

The information campaign highlights ten traffic violations and explains the difference between paying a fine before the scheduled court date and having the case brought before a judge.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, motorists who settle their fines before the court date generally pay less than those whose cases proceed to court.

One of the highest penalties concerns driving without valid vehicle insurance. Motorists who commit this offense face a fine of XCG 400 if they pay before the court date. If the case goes to court, the amount listed increases to XCG 500.

Driving without a valid driver's license carries a fine of XCG 200 for early payment, compared with XCG 275 when the matter is brought before the court.

Motorists operating vehicles without a valid inspection certificate, commonly known as a keuringskaart, face a fine of XCG 150 if they pay before the court date or XCG 225 if the case proceeds to court.

The same amounts apply to driving without a valid vehicle tax card, known locally as a belastingkaart.

Several common traffic violations carry fines of XCG 225 for early payment and XCG 300 when brought before the court.

These include driving without wearing a seat belt, allowing a passenger to travel without a seat belt, running a red traffic light, using a handheld mobile phone while driving, and operating a motorcycle without an appropriate helmet.

The Prosecutor's Office also reminds motorists that driving with illegally tinted windshields is punishable. This violation carries a fine of XCG 75 if paid before the court date, increasing to XCG 100 when the case goes to court.

The published amounts are as follows:

The campaign serves as a reminder that traffic violations can result in significant financial penalties, particularly when motorists fail to settle their cases before the scheduled court date.

Beyond the financial consequences, several of the highlighted offenses directly affect road safety. Seat belts and motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of serious injuries, while distracted driving and ignoring traffic signals can endanger other road users.

The Prosecutor's Office is encouraging motorists to comply with traffic regulations, maintain valid vehicle documentation and exercise greater responsibility on Curaçao's roads.