Bill seeks higher fines in school, construction zones following fatal crashes

A bill that would double traffic fines in designated school zones, construction zones, and other high-risk areas has been introduced in the Senate, following a series of serious—and in some cases fatal—traffic incidents on Saipan.

Sen. Celina R. Babauta introduced Senate Bill 24-55, formally titled the Higher Fine Zone Act of 2025, also known as the Patrick Henry Camacho Castro Act.

“It is timely that I bring this bill to the floor as I have just been messaged that the second victim of a pedestrian accident has just passed away a few minutes ago in the hospital,” said Babauta in a Senate session last Dec. 22 on Capitol Hill.

She said the bill proposes amending Title 9, Division 5 of the Commonwealth Code to establish “Higher Fine Zones,” where motorists who commit traffic violations would face significantly increased penalties.

Under the proposal, any traffic violation committed within a designated Higher Fine Zone would carry a fine double the amount otherwise prescribed by law. Repeat offenders within a 12-month period would face progressively stiffer penalties, including triple fines and possible driver’s license suspension of up to 180 days for a third offense.

The legislation is named in memory of Patrick Henry Camacho Castro, who was killed on Oct. 4, 2025, in Sadog Täsi, Saipan—an area lawmakers describe as having a high rate of traffic accidents.

In its findings, the bill states that reckless driving behaviors, including speeding and other moving violations in areas where pedestrians, children, and workers are present, pose a serious threat to public safety.

“This act is named in his memory to serve as a solemn reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the urgent need for stricter deterrents within our roadways,” the bill reads.

The introduction of the bill comes amid renewed concern over pedestrian safety following Castro’s fatal auto-pedestrian collision and yet another deadly accident in Garapan earlier this month.

According to the Department of Public Safety, on Dec. 14, 2025, at about 7:51pm, DPS 911 Dispatch received a report of an auto-pedestrian collision in front of the Century Hotel along the southbound lanes of Chalan Pale Arnold Road.

Preliminary investigations indicate that a 39-year-old man driving a 2017 Toyota Tacoma was traveling southbound in the outer lane when a 57-year-old male pedestrian ran onto the roadway while attempting to cross toward the entrance of the upper MIHA housing area.

The pedestrian, who DPS didn’t name, was struck by the vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including a fractured right arm and head trauma. He was transported to the Commonwealth Health Center, where he remained in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on Dec. 22, 2025, at approximately 4:38pm, according to DPS.

If SB 24-55 is enacted, DPS, in coordination with the Department of Public Works and the Public School System, would be tasked with designating Higher Fine Zones across the Commonwealth. These would include school zones, construction zones, and other high-risk areas identified based on traffic volume, accident history, pedestrian activity, or visibility concerns.

Motorists would only be subject to increased penalties if the area is clearly marked with official signage stating: “Higher Fine Zone-Traffic Fines Doubled.”

The bill also authorizes DPS to use automated enforcement technologies, such as radar and safety cameras, within the zones.

Current CNMI traffic penalties vary widely, but lawmakers note that doubling fines in Higher Fine Zones would substantially raise the cost of violations.

Under existing law, a base speeding fine is typically $35, plus $5 for every mile per hour over the speed limit. Recent legislative updates allow maximum speeding fines of up to $150 for a first offense and $375 for a second offense. Excessive speeding—defined as 10 mph or more over the limit—can result in fines ranging from $100 to $500 for a first conviction.

Other common infractions include seat belt violations, which carry a base fine of $300 for a first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses; driving without proof of insurance, which starts at $200; and reckless driving, a criminal offense punishable by fines of up to $1,000 and possible imprisonment.

Under the proposed law, those amounts could be doubled—or tripled for repeat offenders—if the violations occur within a Higher Fine Zone.

The bill directs DPS to promulgate rules and regulations within 90 days of the act’s effective date, including criteria for designating zones, signage standards, and enforcement procedures.