El Salvador’s Vice Ministry of Transportation (VMT) has confirmed that its photo radar enforcement system, which began operating earlier this month, can now issue fines to foreign-plated vehicles. The process will be coordinated with the General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs to ensure compliance.
During an interview, the Vice Minister of Transportation Nelson Reyes explained that foreign drivers cannot be denied exit from the country due to unpaid fines. Instead, Migration authorities will notify drivers of their violations and any penalties imposed for breaching El Salvador’s traffic laws.
“It’s a process that must be coordinated with Migration. When a foreign vehicle is fined, we cannot deny anyone the right to leave the country and return to their home country,” said Vice Minister Reyes.
However, Reyes clarified that drivers with unpaid fines will be barred from re-entering El Salvador until their penalties are resolved.
The photo radar system was first activated on January 9 along Monseñor Romero Boulevard and expanded to the Comalapa Highway on January 22. By the end of next week, the system will also be operational on the road to Puerto de La Libertad.
Since its launch, the system has issued at least 85 violations on the two active routes, with 90% attributed to speeding and 10% to lane violations.
Notification and Appeals Process
For Salvadoran residents, fines detected by the photo radar system are communicated via email or WhatsApp. Additionally, individuals can check for violations on the Sertracen portal. Notifications are issued within 30 days of the offense.
Drivers who wish to contest a fine can do so starting five days after being notified. To appeal, they must submit a written statement along with supporting evidence to challenge the violation.
Authorities emphasize that the system aims to promote compliance with traffic laws and enhance road safety across the country.