According to Euronews, police intervened after three calls to the emergency number 112, reporting a vehicle driving in the wrong direction. The driver was stopped at kilometer 160, after driving approximately 22 kilometers in the opposite direction, in the other lane, endangering other road users. The Moldovan driver had not consumed alcohol but was penalized with nine penalty points and a fine of 350 euros. His driver's license was also suspended for 120 days.
Driving in the wrong direction on the highway in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Penalties and consequences
This represents one of the most dangerous traffic violations. On high-speed roads such as highways, such behavior can lead to severe traffic accidents with serious consequences.
According to the Law on the Basics of Road Traffic Safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina, driving a vehicle in the wrong direction on the highway is strictly prohibited. Drivers are required to use the roadway exclusively in the direction prescribed by traffic signs.
Strict sanctions are foreseen for this violation. In most cases, the driver can expect a fine ranging from 400 KM to 1,000 KM, the assignment of penalty points, as well as a protective measure banning the operation of a motor vehicle for a period of one to four months.
When making a decision, the competent authorities take into account the circumstances of the specific case. If it is a brief mistake that the driver immediately corrected without endangering other road users, the penalty may be milder. However, intentional or prolonged driving in the wrong direction, especially if it leads to dangerous situations or a traffic accident, is treated as a serious violation and sanctioned more severely.
What if an accident occurs and how to correct the mistake?
Situations where other drivers must react abruptly to avoid a collision are particularly concerning. In such cases, driving in the wrong direction can be classified as a gross endangerment of traffic, which further affects the amount of the fine and the duration of the driving ban.
Additionally, if you cause a collision as a result, this moves from a simple violation (endangering public traffic) to a more serious violation or even a criminal offense (if there are injuries). It is then no longer just a matter of a fine, but a longer driving ban, and court proceedings are possible.
If drivers realize their mistake in time, they are advised to pay special attention to traffic signs when entering the highway and, in that case, not to continue driving, but to stop in a safe place and notify the relevant authorities.
Compliance with regulations is not only a legal obligation but also a key factor for the safety of all road users.