The proposal modifies Law 63-17, incorporates the free flow system, establishes penalties for evading tolls, and assigns the management and supervision of tolls to the RD Vial Trust
SANTO DOMINGO. – The Senate of the Dominican Republic received a legislative initiative from the Executive Branch that seeks to transform the toll system by incorporating electronic payment tools, new administrative provisions, and penalties for drivers who fail to pay the tolls.
The proposal modifies Law No. 63-17, on Mobility, Land Transport, Transit and Road Safety, with the objective of establishing a regulatory framework for tolls that contributes to improving vehicular traffic and updating the operation of the stations located on national highways.
The document was delivered this Wednesday to the President of the Senate, Ricardo de los Santos, by a representation of the Executive Branch headed by Maireni Rivas Polanco, legal sub-consultant, who was accompanied by Hostos Rizik Lugo, general director of the RD Vial Trust, and other members of the delegation.
During the event, Rivas Polanco highlighted that the initiative will allow progress towards a more modern model and reduce car delays at stations.
"This is a very important piece because it will put us on another level and we will be able to compare ourselves with other countries in terms of streamlining vehicle traffic and the transit of vehicles through the highways paying the toll automatically," he said.
What changes does the bill include?
Among the main new features of the proposal is the implementation of the Flow , a technology that allows cars to be recognized and electronic payments to be processed without the need for users to stop at the stations.
Similarly, the initiative grants the RD Vial Trust the responsibilities of administration and oversight of the toll network, with the purpose of strengthening the supervision and control of its operations.
Another important aspect is classifying toll evasion as an offense subject to fines. This measure aims to prevent drivers from using the roads without paying the corresponding fee.
The document also acknowledges existing Fast Pass devices and incorporates technological resources to facilitate vehicle identification and toll collection management.
These provisions are complemented by a progressive incorporation of new tools, which will allow stations and different road corridors to be adapted to electronic collection methods.
Barrier-free payment and system expansion
For his part, Hostos Rizik explained that the proposal is part of a comprehensive plan to update tolls, which includes the incorporation of the Free Flow modality.
In that context, the official noted that the funds obtained through this service are allocated to financing infrastructure projects, road maintenance, and strengthening road safety.
As part of this transformation, he reported that the pilot program initiated at the Las Américas toll station plans to implement a hybrid model during 2027 that will combine barrier-free express lanes with toll booths for those who prefer to make their payments in cash.
As planned, this modality would gradually be extended to other corridors in the national territory.
Senate highlights impact on vehicular traffic
Upon receiving the proposal, Ricardo de los Santos thanked the Legal Consulting team and the Executive Branch for their collaboration in drafting the articles that are intended to be incorporated into current legislation.
"We received it and thank the entire legal consulting team and the Executive Branch for the support provided to structure these articles that we propose to include in the Mobility and Transit Law of the Dominican Republic," he stated.
Regarding the effects the initiative would have on traffic, the head of the Upper House considered that it would contribute to reducing congestion at stations, even in those where the Fast Pass mechanism is currently in operation.
"This is a project that will greatly help with traffic flow and prevent bottlenecks," he said.
Referring to the difficulties of the current mechanism, the legislator indicated that some users have to stop when the technology fails to correctly recognize their Fast Pass devices, a situation that causes delays and accumulation of vehicles on the roads.
Finally, he announced that, although the document was received outside of the agenda, it would be referred to a committee during Wednesday's session for analysis and consideration.
Once this stage is completed, the initiative must continue the discussion and approval process in the National Congress before becoming law. Therefore, the proposed provisions are not yet binding or in effect.
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