The Performance Index Center – Efficiency launched its new study titled "Absentee Traffic Violations: Between the Law and the Implementation Mechanism", which aims to provide a comprehensive analytical reading of the legal framework that regulates traffic violations, and to trace the impact of the expansion in automated surveillance and legislative tightening on citizens, while also evaluating the extent to which absentee violations comply with the legal conditions necessary to ensure their accuracy and transparency.
The study clarified that Jordan witnessed an unprecedented increase in the number of violations in 2024, concurrent with the increase in the number of vehicles and the expansion in the introduction of traffic control devices, in addition to amendments to the Traffic Law of 2008. The study noted that absentee violations have become more controversial among citizens, not because of the violation itself, but due to the absence of accompanying photos or their failure to meet the legal conditions stipulated in Section (44/b) of the Traffic Law.
The study highlighted that one of the main reasons for objections to violations is due to the high error rate in electronic enforcement, and the difficulty of contesting them in courts, where the economic simulation included in the study shows that the cost of contesting a minor violation (such as using a phone while driving) could equal or exceed the value of the fine itself by 130%, which discourages many from exercising their right to contest and pay regardless of their doubts about the presence of an error.
The study also pointed out that the increase and expansion in violations without complete legal evidence have a significantly negative impact on the rise and escalation of stress and anger levels among citizens towards the government, and the decline of trust in law enforcement mechanisms, due to the absence of clear procedures to ensure the accuracy of the photo, and the location and time of the violation, and the perfect match between the data and the plate.
The study recommended a number of practical recommendations to enhance traffic justice and ensure transparency, among them:
• Enhancing administrative and technical supervision on the staff and devices responsible for issuing violations to ensure accuracy and procedural integrity.
• Developing a system for contesting through the automation of procedures electronically to facilitate the submission of objections and reduce the cost and time for individuals.
• Adhering to the current legislation, especially Articles (151) of the Criminal Procedures Rules and (44/b) of the Traffic Law to ensure the legality of the controls and their evidentiary strength.
• Requiring the publication of a realistic photo of the violation on the inquiry platform to ensure transparency and reduce the challenges resulting from the absence or lack of clarity of the photo.
The CEO of the center, Engineer Moaz Al-Mubaydin, pointed out that this study provides a scientific and practical reference for decision-makers, enabling them to develop fair and effective traffic policies, which contribute to improving road safety levels, reducing material and social burdens on citizens, and enhancing trust between official institutions and the public.
