Blockades and attacks by taxi drivers are now a criminal offense

The Congress of Quintana Roo approved, unanimously with 20 votes in favor, a series of reforms to the Penal Code and the Mobility Law that impose criminal sanctions – and toughen administrative sanctions – against transportation service providers (transporters and taxi drivers). Who commit crimes during the exercise of their duties.

One of the most notable points of the reform is the modification to Article 107 Bis of the Penal Code, which establishes more severe penalties for transporters involved in serious crimes such as intentional homicide or injuries.

The penalties may be increased up to 50%, reaching 30 to 55 years in prison. Furthermore, if the victims are minors or tourists, the penalties may increase by two-thirds, with the aim of deterring violence in the transportation sector.

Article 162 Bis was incorporated, which punishes those who cause damage to property, such as vehicles or infrastructure related to transportation, with penalties of between two and six years in prison and fines of 15 to 24 days’ salary.

For its part, article 182 provides for penalties of six months to four years in prison for those who obstruct communication routes or interrupt transportation services.

One of the most significant reforms is the possibility of prosecuting these crimes ex officio. This means that the authorities will be able to initiate investigations without requiring a formal complaint from the victims, streamlining judicial processes and guaranteeing more effective sanctions.

The Mobility Law was also reformed to impose stricter administrative sanctions. The measures include the suspension of driver’s licenses for up to three years for transporters who commit crimes related to property damage or alterations to road infrastructure. In addition, the temporary or permanent cancellation of licenses, permits, and concessions in cases that affect public safety.

As has been published on several occasions, Cancun taxi drivers form a mafia that has attacked Uber and other app drivers, as well as tourists who complain about their excessive and abusive charges.

TYT Newsroom

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