The Dominican Republic has implemented a significant traffic regulation prohibiting heavy and cargo vehicles from utilizing left lanes on national highways. The National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (INTRANT) formally established this measure through Administrative Resolution No. 003-2026 as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve road safety and traffic flow efficiency throughout the country.
Executive Director Milton Morrison endorsed the resolution, which derives its legal authority from Law No. 63-17 governing Mobility, Land Transport, Transit and Road Safety. The regulation further aligns with provisions outlined in the Cargo Transport Regulation (Decree No. 258-20) and supports the objectives of the National Strategic Road Safety Plan (PENSV) for 2021–2030.
Under the new mandate, commercial transporters must restrict their movement to right-hand lanes except under specific circumstances. Limited exceptions include legally authorized overtaking maneuvers and necessary left turns at intersections, provided these actions are executed in full compliance with established traffic safety protocols.
The resolution additionally imposes stringent requirements for cargo security. Vehicles transporting loose materials must implement appropriate containment measures using tarpaulins, awnings, or canvases to prevent spillage that could endanger other motorists, compromise environmental safety, or create public health hazards.
Covered vehicles encompass a broad spectrum of transport types including minibuses, buses, two-axle trucks, and various cargo carriers handling commercial, bulk, heavy, specialized, dangerous, multimodal, or express shipments regardless of compensation status.
Violations will incur substantial penalties including fines equivalent to one minimum wage in the centralized public sector (currently RD$10,000), with automatic adjustments tied to future minimum wage revisions. Offenders will also receive demerit points on their driving licenses as stipulated in Law 63-17.
Enforcement responsibilities fall under the joint jurisdiction of the General Directorate of Traffic Safety and Land Transportation (DIGESETT) and INTRANT’s Directorate of Supervision and Control of Sanctions, with operational support from the Military and Police Commission (COMIPOL). The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) and the RD Vial Trust will manage the installation and maintenance of corresponding road signage under INTRANT’s supervisory authority.