The participation in unauthorized competitions, races or training on public roads will be penalized criminally. A bill to this effect was given a first reading by Parliament, IPN reports.

The bill suggests amending the Penal Code so that the participation by drivers in illegal races on public roads is punished with a fine of at most 32,500 lei or 180 to 240 hours of community service, with or without ban on driving for a period of up to two years.

The organization of unauthorized competitions, races or training on public roads will be punished with a fine of 67,500 to 75,000 lei or 180 to 240 hours of community service or one to two years in jail.

It is proposed that the new changes should take effect when they are published in the Official Gazette.

The bill is to be adopted by Parliament in the final reading.