In Two Argentine Provinces They Prohibited to Take Mate While Driving Along the Route

In Argentina, mate is much more than a drink: it is a shared tradition, a pause in routine, a custom that accompanies almost every moment of the day. That is why it is not surprising that many people take it even while driving. However, in some Argentine provinces they prohibit taking mate behind the wheel, and fines can exceed $400,000. Although this measure may seem exaggerated for those who are used to having the thermos by hand, the authorit…

A habit of many Argentines is to take mate while driving. Whether on short or long-distance trips, the infusion is present. Although it seems harmless, the authorities warn that it can put road safety at risk, especially if it interferes with the proper handling of the vehicle. The National Transit Law does not prohibit this practice, but states that both hands should be kept on the steering wheel when it is handled, which limits actions such as…

It is advisable to keep an eye on the legislation of each jurisdiction.

The province of Mendoza qualifies as “very serious” driving without both hands behind the wheel and the penalty amounts to 1,000 fixed units, which is currently equivalent to $420,000, since each unit is valued at $420. Córdoba includes it within the concept of unsafe handling. The fine is 20 fixed units, with a value of $1,200 each, which represents a penalty of $24,000.

Driving by taking mate on the route is a popular Argentine custom, a ritual that for many is harmless but that has just been put in the center of the scene as "a very serious foul", because two provinces of Argentina have just banned it, and even in one of them there is a severe fine for this violation, close to...

Driving by taking mate on the route is an Argentine custom, a ritual that for many is harmless but that just got in the center of the scene because two provinces have just banned it and even in one of them there is a severe fine for this violation. The Argentine province that can charge up to $420,000 for taking mate on the route is Mendoza, by means of Decree 326/18 complements Law 9,024 of Road Safety and qualifies as “very serious missing” dr…