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PS 212

Para enmendar el Artículo 7.09 de la Ley 22-2000, según enmendada, conocida como "Ley de Vehiculos y Tránsito de Puerto Rico", con el propósito de establecer que, toda persona que se negare, objetare, resistiere o evadiere someterse al procedimiento de las pruebas de alcohol, drogas o sustancias controladas, incurrirá en delito menos grave y será sancionada, por su primera convicción con pena de multa fija de tres mil (3,000) dólares; y para convicciones subsiguientes, la pena de multa será no menor de tres mil (3,000) dólares ni mayor de cinco mil (5,000) dólares o pena de reclusión que no excederá de seis (6) meses o ambas penas a discreción del Tribunal; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill criminalizes refusing alcohol/drug testing in traffic stops, imposing $3,000 minimum fines and potential jail time to deter test evasion.

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Bill Summary · PS 212

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 212 amends Puerto Rico's Vehicle and Transit Law to establish criminal penalties for refusing or evading alcohol, drug, or controlled substance testing during traffic stops. First-time offenders face a fixed $3,000 fine, while repeat offenders face fines between $3,000-$5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment at the court's discretion.

Why is this important

This bill directly impacts driver rights and enforcement procedures by criminalizing test refusal—a practice that exists in various forms across U.S. jurisdictions. It reflects a policy choice to treat refusal as seriously as impaired driving itself, affecting thousands of drivers annually and potentially increasing conviction rates in DUI/DWI cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Refusal-to-test laws raise Fifth Amendment self-incrimination questions in some jurisdictions; the bill doesn't address how refusal evidence can be used in court
  • Enforcement disparities: Subjective officer discretion in determining what constitutes "refusal" or "evasion" could lead to inconsistent application across socioeconomic or demographic groups
  • Penalty severity: The mandatory $3,000 fine for first offense is substantial and may disproportionately impact lower-income drivers compared to wealthier defendants who can absorb costs more easily
  • False positives: No safeguards mentioned for individuals medically unable to perform breath/blood tests or those with legitimate grounds for refusal

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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