The Boquete (not for tourists!) Handbook

By DON WINNER  ( from Panama Guide) – Panama’s Ground Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT) is finally implementing the new law on “minor traffic accidents” which goes into effect starting today, Thursday, 3 March 2011. With the implementation of this new law, now all drivers in the Republic of Panama are required to have a copy of this form in their car at all times. Failure to have a copy of this form, or to comply with the new rules of the law on “minor traffic accidents” can result in a fine. Minor traffic accidents are described as those in which there are no personal injuries, and when both vehicles are in a condition in which they can safely be moved. In other words, if your car is totaled then of course you can’t be expected to move it, and it’s not a “minor accident.” The “spirit and intent” of this law is to allow drivers to be able to move their vehicles out of the roadway in the case of a fender-bender, in order to keep from causing traffic jams. This year the government of Panama is going to start a massive set of construction projects in Panama City, to include the building of 15 new “flyover” bridges at key intersections, together with the start of the construction of the Metro subway project. So there’s going to be a lot of delays, detours, bottlenecks, and traffic is going to be a friggin’ nightmare for about two years. Add a couple of fender-benders and no one gets home until after midnight. Throw a digital camera in your car and take a few dozen photos of the accident before you move the vehicles. Fill out the form. Call the insurance company like normal. And, best of luck. It’s going to be a kluster, no doubt.

You Can Download The Form Here: Click on this link to download the new form. Print several copies and throw them in your glove box. Hopefully, you’ll never need them. Oh, the form is supposed to be printed on the longer “legal” sized paper. And, there was some discussion about changing the form to remove the home address and phone number. You might just want to provide your cell phone number, and not provide a home address or home phone number. It would depend on the situation. I mean, if you get into an accident with a doctor in a suit and tie then no problem. If you get into an accident with a gang banger who’s got more speakers in his car than seats – problem. Use common sense.