New Traffic Violations in Algeria 2026: Fines, Penalties and Complete Guide Under the New Traffic Law
Last Updated: October 2026
Algeria has undergone a major legislative development in the field of road safety following the enactment of Law No. 26-09 of May 12, 2026, on the Traffic Law, published in Issue No. 36 of the Official Gazette. The new law reorganizes the rules governing road traffic, establishes obligations for drivers and pedestrians, classifies traffic violations into four degrees, and strengthens penalties for serious traffic offenses and accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities.
The new law is particularly important for every driver in Algeria, whether operating a private car, motorcycle, passenger vehicle, or goods vehicle. The new framework does not merely modify the amounts of fines. It also regulates traffic violation enforcement, driver's license retention, automated traffic enforcement, vehicle impoundment, suspension or cancellation of driver's licenses, and criminal liability in serious traffic accidents.
One of the most significant changes is the classification of traffic violations into four degrees, with fixed fines ranging from DZD 3,000 to DZD 10,000. A special category within third-degree violations concerns overweight loads, with fines ranging from DZD 7,000 to DZD 9,000 depending on the percentage of excess weight.
However, drivers should not consider these amounts to be the maximum penalties applicable in every situation. Certain acts that may initially appear to be ordinary traffic violations can become criminal offenses punishable by imprisonment, substantial fines, and suspension or cancellation of a driver's license when they are associated with an accident or aggravating circumstances.
This comprehensive guide explains the new traffic violations in Algeria, the applicable fines, the differences between the four degrees of violations, the payment deadlines, what happens when a fine is not paid, when a driver's license or vehicle may be retained, and the most serious traffic offenses and their penalties.
1. What Is Algeria's New Traffic Law in 2026?
The new legislation is Law No. 26-09 of May 12, 2026, on the Traffic Law. It was published in the Official Gazette of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Issue No. 36 of 2026.
The law establishes a modern framework for regulating road traffic, defining the conditions governing the use of public roads, strengthening road-safety measures, regulating liability arising from traffic accidents, and establishing penalties for violations of traffic rules.
The law contains 190 articles divided into ten chapters, demonstrating the broad scope of the reform. It is therefore not simply an amendment to existing fines, but rather a substantial restructuring of Algeria's traffic-law framework.
The new law repeals provisions that conflict with it, particularly those contained in Law No. 01-14 concerning the organization, safety, and security of road traffic. Existing implementing regulations remain applicable until new implementing texts are issued, provided that the deadline for issuing those texts does not exceed six months from the date of publication of the new law.
An important distinction must be made between the final traffic law and earlier draft legislation. During the legislative process, media reports circulated different figures for proposed fines. Some of those figures changed before the final law was adopted.
For legal purposes, the final text published in the Official Gazette is the relevant reference—not earlier draft versions or social-media publications.
2. New Traffic Fines in Algeria 2026: Complete Table
The new system of fixed fines can be summarized as follows:
| Violation Degree | Fixed Fine |
|---|---|
| First degree | DZD 3,000 |
| Second degree | DZD 4,000 |
| Third degree – Category 1 | DZD 6,000 |
| Third degree – Category 2 | DZD 7,000–9,000 |
| Fourth degree | DZD 10,000 |
These amounts apply to traffic violations classified under Article 121. They must not be confused with traffic offenses classified as misdemeanors or more serious criminal offenses, which are subject to different penalties and may involve imprisonment and significantly higher fines.
3. First-Degree Traffic Violations – DZD 3,000
The fixed fine for first-degree violations is DZD 3,000.
These violations generally concern relatively lower-level breaches of traffic rules, although they can still affect road safety.
They include, among other things:
Certain violations involving lighting and braking equipment on bicycles.
Failure to present vehicle or driver documents when requested.
Certain pedestrian traffic violations, including the use of designated pedestrian crossings or prohibited roadways.
Failure to maintain sufficient windshield visibility for safe driving.
Failure to take legally required precautions for children inside vehicles.
Failure by passengers, other than the driver, to wear seat belts where required.
Certain safety violations involving persons accompanying learner drivers.
Defects involving lighting, signaling, or braking systems on bicycles and certain other vehicles.
Certain violations concerning mobile transport equipment.
The legislature places these acts within the first degree because, although they generally carry lower fines, they may nevertheless create risks for road users.
Is Failure to Wear a Seat Belt Always a DZD 3,000 Fine?
No.
The law distinguishes between the driver and passengers.
Failure by passengers other than the driver to wear a seat belt falls within the first-degree category and carries a DZD 3,000 fixed fine under the circumstances specified by the law.
By contrast, failure by the driver to wear a seat belt, or wearing it incorrectly, is classified under the first category of third-degree violations, carrying a DZD 6,000 fine.
This distinction is important because the statement "the seat-belt fine is DZD 3,000" is not accurate in every situation.
4. Second-Degree Traffic Violations – DZD 4,000
The fixed fine for second-degree violations is DZD 4,000.
This category covers a broad range of traffic-related violations involving road use, vehicle operation, parking, speed, and certain administrative obligations.
Among the most important are:
1. Improper use of audible warning devices
The law regulates the use of horns and other audible warning devices. Violating those rules may constitute a second-degree violation.
2. Use of non-compliant equipment
Using equipment or devices that do not comply with applicable legal or regulatory requirements may fall within this category.
3. Violations involving certain lanes, sidewalks, and roadways
The law establishes rules governing the use of specific road sections and lanes reserved for particular road users.
4. Unreadable registration plates
Vehicle registration plates must remain clear and legible.
A plate that is not sufficiently visible or readable may result in a second-degree violation and a DZD 4,000 fine.
5. Failure to respect pedestrian priority
Drivers must respect pedestrian priority at designated crossings. Failure to do so may constitute a second-degree violation.
6. Abnormally reducing speed
Although drivers must respect speed limits, they must not reduce their speed unnecessarily or abnormally where doing so obstructs normal traffic flow.
7. Failure to carry mandatory safety equipment
Vehicles must be equipped with the safety equipment required by law.
8. Failure to display the required learner-driver sign
Drivers in the probationary period are subject to specific obligations, including displaying the legally required sign.
9. Driving over a continuous road line
Certain violations involving continuous road markings fall within the second-degree category and carry a DZD 4,000 fine.
10. Failure to report modifications to a vehicle
Certain modifications made to a vehicle must be declared and comply with legal requirements.
11. Failure to comply with vehicle ownership-transfer procedures
Failure to complete the legally required procedures for transferring vehicle ownership or failing to declare a change of residence within the applicable period may constitute a violation.
12. Speeding by no more than 10%
Where an approved speed-measuring device establishes that the driver exceeded the applicable speed limit by no more than 10%, the violation falls within the second degree and carries a DZD 4,000 fine.
13. Certain driving-instruction violations
The law also classifies certain violations involving driving instruction and driving schools within this category.
14. Registration-plate violations
Certain violations relating to the supply, use, or display of registration plates are classified as second-degree violations.
15. Failure to comply with minimum-speed rules
Failure to comply with applicable minimum-speed requirements may constitute a traffic violation.
16. Illegal stopping or parking
Stopping or parking in situations prohibited by traffic legislation may result in a second-degree fine.
17. Certain uses of the emergency lane
Certain cases involving driving, stopping, or parking without an unavoidable necessity on the emergency shoulder of a motorway or expressway may constitute a second-degree violation.
18. Stopping in emergency areas
Stopping or parking in areas designated for emergency use is prohibited in circumstances specified by law.
19. Dangerous loads on bicycles or similar vehicles
Carrying a load that affects the stability of a bicycle or similar vehicle, or carrying, pulling, or pushing objects that interfere with safe operation, may constitute a second-degree violation.
20. Carrying children under eight years old on certain mobile vehicles
The law establishes specific age restrictions for transporting young children on certain two-wheeled vehicles.
21. Throwing waste from vehicles
One notable provision concerns throwing waste or other objects from vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, or similar vehicles.
Under the final text, this conduct is classified as a second-degree violation and carries a DZD 4,000 fine.
This point has generated confusion because earlier draft legislation and media reports circulated different figures. The final text of the law is the relevant legal reference.
5. Third-Degree Traffic Violations – DZD 6,000
Third-degree violations are divided into two categories.
Category 1: DZD 6,000
This category includes more serious traffic violations.
Examples include:
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 10% and up to 20%.
Failure by the driver to wear a seat belt or wearing it improperly.
Failure to wear the required helmet and/or protective gloves when operating a motorcycle, subject to the specific legal requirements.
Driving, stopping, or parking without an unavoidable necessity on the emergency shoulder of a motorway or expressway.
Dangerous stopping or parking.
Violations involving vehicle lighting and signaling systems.
Carrying children under 10 years of age in the front seats of a vehicle.
Failure to provide the driver with adequate visibility.
Applying plastic film or another opaque material to vehicle windows in violation of the law.
Using tires that do not comply with applicable technical requirements.
Violations involving equipment and signaling for exceptional transport.
Carrying loads that compromise motorcycle stability.
Carrying, pulling, or pushing objects in a way that endangers road users.
Carrying passengers in vehicles not designed for that purpose.
Violating prescribed seating arrangements for drivers and passengers.
Exceeding the legally permitted number of passengers.
6. Speeding Penalties Under the New Traffic Law
Speeding is subject to a graduated system.
The law essentially establishes the following structure:
Up to 10% over the speed limit: DZD 4,000.
More than 10% and up to 20%: DZD 6,000.
More than 20% and up to 30%: DZD 10,000.
The applicable fine therefore depends on the percentage by which the driver exceeded the authorized speed, as established by approved speed-measuring equipment.
Drivers should therefore avoid treating "speeding" as a single violation with a fixed fine. The legal consequences depend on the degree of the excess speed.
7. Overloaded Vehicles – Fines from DZD 7,000 to DZD 9,000
The second category of third-degree violations concerns excess loads not exceeding 30% of the permitted weight.
The fine varies according to the percentage of excess weight:
Excess load up to 10%
Fine: DZD 7,000
Excess load above 10% and up to 20%
Fine: DZD 8,000
Excess load above 20% and up to 30%
Fine: DZD 9,000
Where multiple weight-related violations are recorded simultaneously, the applicable penalty is determined according to the rules established by the law.
If excess weight is recorded on more than one axle at the same time, the penalty associated with the axle showing the greatest excess weight applies according to the statutory framework.
These provisions are particularly important for truck operators and commercial transport companies because excessive loads can significantly affect vehicle stability, braking performance, tire safety, and overall road safety.
In certain circumstances, an overloaded vehicle may also result in more serious criminal liability if the conduct contributes to a serious accident.
8. Fourth-Degree Traffic Violations – DZD 10,000
Fourth-degree violations represent the highest level of fixed fines for ordinary traffic violations, with a DZD 10,000 fine.
Among the acts classified in this category are:
Violating mandatory traffic directions.
Certain violations involving intersections and right of way.
Illegal overtaking.
Failure to comply with stop signals requiring a complete stop.
Increasing speed while another vehicle is attempting to overtake.
Failure to use lights and indicators when legally required.
Certain lane violations involving large vehicles.
Violations involving railway crossings.
Certain violations concerning braking systems and the coupling of trailers and semi-trailers.
Dangerous sudden changes of direction.
Crossing continuous road markings in specified circumstances.
Manually using audiovisual devices in the front of the vehicle while driving.
Driving, stopping, or parking on the central median of a motorway or expressway.
Continuing to drive without renewing the required driver's license category or professional qualification certificate.
Manually using a mobile phone while driving.
Using listening devices in both ears while driving.
Failure to maintain a safe following distance.
Certain actions creating danger or damage to other road users or infrastructure.
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 20% and up to 30%.
Failure to complete mandatory technical inspection.
Carrying a child under eight years old on a motorcycle.
Failure to give way to priority vehicles or vehicles benefiting from traffic priority.
9. Mobile Phone Use While Driving – One of the Most Important Violations
The new law specifically targets mobile-phone use while driving.
Manual use of a mobile phone while driving is classified as a fourth-degree violation, resulting in a DZD 10,000 fixed fine.
The importance of this provision goes beyond the financial penalty.
The use of a mobile phone while driving can also be considered among the aggravating circumstances in certain traffic accidents resulting in death or injury.
This means that a driver who uses a mobile phone while driving is not merely risking a fine. If phone use contributes to an accident resulting in death or serious injury, the driver may face substantially more serious criminal consequences.
10. Seat Belts in Rear Seats
Another important aspect of the new traffic law is the strengthening of seat-belt requirements.
The law requires seat-belt use in rear seats when the vehicle is equipped with rear seat belts.
This reflects the principle that passenger safety is not solely the driver's responsibility. All occupants are expected to comply with applicable safety requirements.
It is therefore important to distinguish between:
Passenger failing to wear a seat belt: generally classified within the first degree under the circumstances specified by law.
Driver failing to wear a seat belt: classified within the first category of third-degree violations, carrying a DZD 6,000 fine.
11. Automated Traffic Enforcement
One of the most important developments in the new legislation is the formal regulation of automated traffic violation detection.
The law allows automated systems to detect and establish certain traffic offenses even when no enforcement officer is physically present at the location, provided that the offense can legally be established through the relevant automated system.
Automated enforcement devices may be installed inside and outside populated areas and on roads open to public traffic.
The resulting violation report may be produced in paper or electronic form. Notification can then be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle or to the driver where the driver has been identified.
This means that the absence of a police officer at the scene does not necessarily mean that a traffic violation cannot be recorded.
12. What Happens When Someone Else Was Driving Your Vehicle?
The new law establishes a specific mechanism for situations in which the vehicle owner was not the person driving the vehicle when the violation occurred.
The owner may be required to provide the competent authority with the identity of the driver within 10 days from receiving the notification, unless force majeure or another legally recognized circumstance prevents compliance.
If the owner refuses to identify the driver, the owner may become liable for the violation under the applicable legal provisions.
This rule becomes particularly important as automated enforcement expands because a notification may reach the registered vehicle owner even when another person was actually driving.
13. How Long Do You Have to Pay a Traffic Fine?
Under the new law, the enforcement officer who records a violation provides the offender with a notification specifying the nature of the violation and the amount of the fixed fine.
The offender has 45 days from the date of notification to pay the fine.
If several violations are committed simultaneously, the notification may include all applicable violations.
The law also allows payment through authorized methods, including electronic payment, with fixed fines being allocated to the public treasury.
14. What Happens If You Do Not Pay the Fine Within 45 Days?
This is one of the most important practical provisions for drivers.
If the offender fails to pay the fixed fine within the legal deadline, a report of non-payment may be sent to the competent public prosecutor together with the required documents.
The competent judicial authority may then order the fine to be doubled through a penal order procedure.
Therefore, failing to pay does not cancel the violation. Instead, it may move the matter from the fixed-fine procedure into a judicial procedure, with the possibility of an increased financial penalty.
15. Can Your Driver's License Be Retained?
Yes.
Except in cases involving immediate electronic payment of the fine, the driver's license may be retained in the circumstances established by law, with the driver receiving a document confirming the retention.
However, retaining a driver's license in connection with certain ordinary violations does not necessarily mean that the driver is immediately prohibited from driving.
The law provides that, under specified conditions, retention of the driver's license does not suspend the driver's ability to drive during the first 10 days following retention.
After payment of the fine within the legal deadline, the driver's license is returned according to the applicable procedure.
For criminal traffic offenses, however, license retention can have more serious consequences and may immediately affect the driver's ability to operate a vehicle.
16. What Happens With Automatically Recorded Violations?
When a violation is recorded by an automated system, the driver's physical presence at the location is not required.
The report may be issued electronically or on paper, and notification may be sent to the registered owner or to the identified driver.
The vehicle owner may also be required to provide the identity of the actual driver within the legally prescribed 10-day period.
This makes it especially important for vehicle owners to monitor official notifications, particularly where vehicles are regularly shared among family members, employees, or other authorized drivers.
17. Traffic Violations Are Not the Same as Criminal Traffic Offenses
This distinction is fundamental.
The new law distinguishes between ordinary traffic violations and criminal traffic offenses, depending on the seriousness of the conduct and its consequences.
An ordinary violation is generally handled through the fixed-fine system:
First degree: DZD 3,000.
Second degree: DZD 4,000.
Third degree: DZD 6,000 or DZD 7,000–9,000 depending on the category.
Fourth degree: DZD 10,000.
A criminal traffic offense, however, may result in:
Imprisonment.
Substantial fines.
Driver's license suspension.
Driver's license cancellation.
Prohibition on obtaining a new license.
Vehicle confiscation in certain cases.
Mandatory road-safety training.
Other judicial measures.
Therefore, asking "How much is the traffic fine?" is not enough when an accident, serious injury, death, intoxication, or another aggravating circumstance is involved.
18. Causing Death by Negligent Driving
The new law imposes significant penalties when a traffic accident results in death.
Where a driver unintentionally causes the death of another person through recklessness, lack of precaution, inattention, negligence, or failure to comply with traffic laws and regulations, the driver may face imprisonment of one to five years and a fine ranging from DZD 100,000 to DZD 500,000.
The penalty may become more severe when aggravating circumstances are present.
These circumstances may include:
Driving without a valid license.
Using a mobile phone while driving.
Excessive speeding.
Failure to respect right of way.
Failure to obey a stop signal.
Dangerous driving maneuvers.
Other circumstances specified by law.
In the cases covered by the relevant provisions, the penalty can reach three to seven years' imprisonment and a fine ranging from DZD 300,000 to DZD 700,000.
19. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Penalties become significantly more severe when a fatal traffic accident occurs while the driver is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or psychotropic substances.
The applicable penalty may include five to eight years' imprisonment and a fine ranging from DZD 500,000 to DZD 800,000.
For certain categories of vehicles—such as heavy vehicles, public passenger transport, school transport, taxis, goods vehicles, and vehicles transporting hazardous materials—the penalty can increase to seven to twelve years' imprisonment and a fine ranging from DZD 700,000 to DZD 1,200,000.
Where intoxication or drug use is combined with other aggravating circumstances, the penalties can become even more severe.
20. Accidents Resulting in the Death of Two or More People
The new law establishes specific provisions for accidents involving the death of two or more people under certain circumstances.
This is particularly relevant to heavy vehicles, public transport, school buses, taxis, goods vehicles, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials.
Under the circumstances specified by law, penalties may reach 10 to 20 years' imprisonment, in addition to fines ranging from DZD 1,000,000 to DZD 2,000,000.
This demonstrates that Algeria's new traffic legislation treats certain forms of dangerous driving as serious criminal conduct rather than ordinary traffic violations.
21. Causing Injury Through Negligent Driving
The law also addresses situations in which a traffic accident causes bodily injury rather than death.
Where negligent driving results in total incapacity for work exceeding three months, the driver may face six months to two years' imprisonment and a fine ranging from DZD 50,000 to DZD 200,000, or one of those penalties.
Where the incapacity does not exceed three months, a different and generally lighter legal framework applies, subject to the specific circumstances and procedural requirements established by law.
Penalties may increase where aggravating circumstances exist, such as:
Mobile-phone use.
Excessive speed.
Driving without a license.
Failure to respect right of way.
Other legally defined aggravating circumstances.
22. Leaving the Scene of a Traffic Accident
One of the most serious mistakes a driver can make after an accident is attempting to escape responsibility.
The new law criminalizes conduct in which a driver involved in a traffic accident attempts to avoid criminal or civil liability by fleeing the scene, moving the vehicle or changing the accident circumstances, assuming another identity, or using another method intended to evade responsibility.
Under the applicable provision, the penalty may reach one to three years' imprisonment and a fine ranging from DZD 100,000 to DZD 300,000.
The legally appropriate response after an accident is therefore to stop, assist where possible, and comply with the applicable reporting and legal procedures.
23. Dangerous Maneuvers and Endangering Other Road Users
The law also addresses drivers who deliberately and clearly violate safety obligations or perform dangerous maneuvers that expose other people to serious risks.
Under the applicable provision, the penalty can reach two years' imprisonment and a fine of up to DZD 200,000, with stricter consequences in certain cases involving professional or commercial vehicles.
Importantly, a serious criminal traffic offense does not always require an actual collision to occur. Certain forms of clearly dangerous conduct may themselves constitute an offense when the legal conditions are satisfied.
24. Can a Driver's License Be Permanently Cancelled?
Yes.
Under the new law, the competent court must order the cancellation of a driver's license in certain circumstances, particularly where a traffic offense resulting in the death of one or more people has been committed.
The cancellation may also be accompanied by a prohibition on obtaining a new driver's license, either permanently or for a specified period.
The law also contains specific provisions concerning drivers in their probationary period. In certain fatal negligent-driving cases, the license may be cancelled and the driver may be prohibited from applying for a new license for 18 months, subject to the conditions established by law.
25. Suspension or Withdrawal of a Driver's License
When a traffic offense is referred to a court, the court may impose, in addition to other penalties, the suspension or withdrawal of the driver's license for a period that may reach five years in the cases established by law.
Repeated offenses may lead to more severe measures, including cancellation of the license.
The court may also order the driver to complete special road-safety training at the driver's own expense.
This demonstrates that the new system is not limited to financial penalties. It combines financial, administrative, judicial, and educational measures.
26. Can a Vehicle Be Impounded?
Yes.
The law establishes a number of circumstances in which a vehicle may be immobilized and placed in an impound facility.
These circumstances may include:
Clear signs of driver fatigue.
Suspected intoxication.
Suspected drug or psychotropic-substance influence.
Inability of the driver to safely control the vehicle.
Failure to produce required documents.
Serious defects affecting the vehicle's safety.
Serious brake or lighting defects.
Dangerous or illegal loads.
Improper transportation of hazardous materials.
Excessive emissions or noise in specified circumstances.
Exceeding the permitted number of passengers.
Transporting passengers in a vehicle not designed for that purpose.
A judicial police officer may also order impoundment in certain circumstances, including failure to correct a violation within 48 hours after the vehicle has been stopped, or certain cases of dangerous stopping or parking when the driver is absent or refuses to comply with an officer's instructions.
27. How Long Can a Vehicle Remain in the Impound Facility?
The law generally sets the maximum period of vehicle impoundment at 10 days from notification of the owner, unless another period is specifically provided by law.
If repairs are required, the period may extend until the owner provides proof that the required work has been completed.
The vehicle owner is generally responsible for costs associated with towing, transport, impoundment, custody, and any required inspection or expert assessment, subject to the exceptions provided by law.
28. Does Algeria Have a Driver's License Points System?
It is important not to confuse the traffic-violation system with a driver's license points system.
Law No. 26-09 introduces and regulates mechanisms for detecting violations, recording information, and processing traffic offenses. However, the final law should not be described as having introduced a conventional "points-based driver's license" system unless a separate implementing regulation expressly establishes such a mechanism.
Therefore, claims circulating online that assign a specific number of "points" to every traffic violation should be verified against an official legal source before being treated as legally accurate.
29. The Most Important Traffic Violations Drivers Should Know in 2026
For practical purposes, drivers should pay particular attention to the following:
Manual mobile-phone use while driving: DZD 10,000.
Speeding by up to 10%: DZD 4,000.
Speeding by more than 10% and up to 20%: DZD 6,000.
Speeding by more than 20% and up to 30%: DZD 10,000.
Driver failing to wear a seat belt: DZD 6,000.
Passenger failing to wear a seat belt: DZD 3,000 under the applicable circumstances.
Throwing waste from a vehicle: DZD 4,000 under the final text.
Unreadable registration plate: DZD 4,000.
Failure to undergo mandatory technical inspection: DZD 10,000.
Failure to give way to priority vehicles: DZD 10,000.
Dangerous stopping or parking: DZD 6,000 in the relevant third-degree category, subject to potentially more serious liability where an accident or criminal offense occurs.
30. Why Should Drivers Avoid Relying on Old Traffic-Fine Tables?
Before the adoption of Law No. 26-09, Algeria's principal traffic framework was Law No. 01-14.
Many old traffic-fine tables remain available online, but they may no longer accurately reflect the current legal framework.
This is why a Google search for phrases such as "Algeria seat belt fine" or "Algeria speeding fine" may produce older pages containing outdated information.
Drivers should therefore verify:
The publication date of the information.
The number of the applicable law.
The relevant legal article.
Whether the source concerns a draft or final legislation.
The Official Gazette publication.
Whether subsequent implementing regulations have changed the practical procedure.
The final version of Law No. 26-09 was published in Official Gazette Issue No. 36 of 2026.
31. What Should You Do If You Receive a Traffic Violation?
Drivers should not ignore an official traffic notification.
Check:
The exact violation.
The cited legal provision.
The amount of the fine.
The notification date.
The payment deadline.
The authorized payment method.
The status of the driver's license.
Whether additional legal procedures apply.
Under the new law, the fixed fine must generally be paid within 45 days from notification.
Failure to pay may result in referral to the judicial authorities and possible doubling of the fine.
32. Electronic Payment of Traffic Fines
The new framework supports the use of authorized payment methods, including electronic payment.
Drivers should retain proof of payment because it may be important if an administrative error or dispute occurs.
Immediate electronic payment can also have procedural consequences regarding the retention of a driver's license, making the payment method relevant to the practical handling of the violation.
33. Liability of the Vehicle Owner
Vehicle ownership does not automatically mean that the owner is personally responsible for every violation committed with the vehicle.
The law provides a mechanism for identifying the actual driver where another person was operating the vehicle.
However, the owner is required to cooperate with the competent authorities and provide the driver's identity within the legally prescribed period.
Failure to provide that information may result in liability under the applicable provisions.
This is especially important for companies, rental vehicles, family vehicles, and commercial fleets.
34. Does the New Law Only Target Drivers?
No.
The new legislation addresses more than driver behavior.
It contains provisions concerning:
Vehicle safety.
Technical inspections.
Road infrastructure.
Road construction and maintenance.
Vehicle loads.
Spare parts.
Driving schools.
Professional drivers.
Other parties involved in road safety.
In certain situations, individuals or entities responsible for unsafe road conditions may also face legal or civil liability.
For example, the law recognizes civil liability in circumstances where traffic accidents result from non-compliant road works or inadequate maintenance under the conditions specified by law.
This reflects a broader approach to road safety in which responsibility may involve the driver, vehicle, road infrastructure, and other relevant parties.
35. What Is the Main Message for Drivers Under the New Traffic Law?
The central message of Law No. 26-09 is that road safety is no longer treated simply as a matter of paying a fine.
A driver committing a relatively minor violation may face a DZD 3,000 or DZD 4,000 fine.
But a driver who engages in dangerous conduct, drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs, uses a mobile phone, performs dangerous maneuvers, or causes a serious accident may face criminal prosecution, imprisonment, substantial fines, and suspension or cancellation of the driver's license.
The new law also gives authorities more advanced enforcement tools, including automated traffic monitoring, electronic processing, and digital notification procedures.
For drivers, the most effective strategy is therefore not merely to memorize the fine schedule. It is to respect speed limits, avoid mobile-phone use while driving, wear seat belts, respect pedestrians and right-of-way rules, maintain the vehicle properly, comply with technical inspection requirements, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Conclusion: New Traffic Violations in Algeria 2026
Law No. 26-09 represents a major restructuring of Algeria's traffic-safety and road-traffic enforcement framework.
The key fixed-fine levels are:
DZD 3,000 → First-degree violations
DZD 4,000 → Second-degree violations
DZD 6,000 → Third-degree violations, Category 1
DZD 7,000–9,000 → Certain overweight-load violations
DZD 10,000 → Fourth-degree violations
However, these figures do not represent the full range of penalties available under the new law.
When a traffic violation results in death or serious injury, or is accompanied by aggravating circumstances such as intoxication, drug use, excessive speed, driving without a license, mobile-phone use, dangerous maneuvers, or failure to respect right-of-way rules, the case may become a criminal traffic offense punishable by imprisonment, substantial fines, and suspension or cancellation of the driver's license.
The new law also introduces stronger enforcement mechanisms, including automated traffic-violation detection, electronic payment, electronic processing, and procedures for identifying the actual driver of a vehicle.
For this reason, drivers should not rely solely on old traffic-fine tables or social-media posts. The applicable legal provision, the facts of the individual case, and the final version of the law must always be considered.
Legal disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes and is based on Law No. 26-09 as published in the Official Gazette. It does not constitute individualized legal advice and should not replace advice from a qualified Algerian lawyer where a traffic accident, criminal prosecution, driver's-license dispute, vehicle impoundment, or civil or criminal liability is involved.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Traffic Violations in Algeria
How much is a first-degree traffic fine in Algeria?
The fixed fine is DZD 3,000.
How much is a second-degree traffic fine?
The fixed fine is DZD 4,000.
How much is a speeding fine of up to 10% over the limit?
Where the violation is established by approved measuring equipment and the excess does not exceed 10%, the fine is DZD 4,000.
How much is a speeding fine between 10% and 20%?
The fine is DZD 6,000.
How much is a speeding fine between 20% and 30%?
The fine is DZD 10,000.
What is the fine for using a mobile phone while driving?
Manual use of a mobile phone while driving is classified as a fourth-degree violation and carries a DZD 10,000 fixed fine.
Are rear-seat passengers required to wear seat belts?
Yes, where the vehicle is equipped with rear seat belts.
What is the fine for a driver who does not wear a seat belt?
The applicable third-degree violation carries a DZD 6,000 fine.
Is throwing waste from a vehicle a traffic violation?
Yes. Under the final text, throwing waste or other objects from vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and similar vehicles is classified as a second-degree violation, with a DZD 4,000 fine.
How long do I have to pay a traffic fine?
The fixed fine generally must be paid within 45 days from the date of notification.
What happens if I do not pay the fine?
The matter may be referred to the competent judicial authority, which may order the fine to be doubled.
Can traffic violations be detected by cameras?
Yes. The law allows automated systems to detect and establish certain traffic violations under the conditions established by law.
Can a driver's license be cancelled?
Yes. In specific cases, particularly serious traffic offenses resulting in death, the court may order cancellation of the driver's license and may impose a prohibition on obtaining a new license.
Can a vehicle be impounded?
Yes. The law provides for vehicle immobilization and impoundment in various situations involving driver condition, vehicle safety, documentation, dangerous loads, passenger capacity, and other circumstances.
Quick Reference for Drivers
If you only want to remember the main figures under Algeria's 2026 traffic law:
DZD 3,000 → First degree
DZD 4,000 → Second degree
DZD 6,000 → Third degree, Category 1
DZD 7,000 / 8,000 / 9,000 → Certain overweight-load violations
DZD 10,000 → Fourth degree
However, once a case becomes a criminal traffic offense because of an accident, serious injury, death, intoxication, dangerous driving, or another aggravating circumstance, the consequences can go far beyond a fixed fine and may include imprisonment, substantial fines, driver's-license cancellation, and other judicial measures.
The principal legal reference for this article is Law No. 26-09 of May 12, 2026, on the Traffic Law, published in Official Gazette Issue No. 36 of 2026.
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