No, consuming food or beverages while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited under Colombia’s Ley 769 de 2002 (Código Nacional de Tránsito), as amended by Decreto 1077 de 2015, which classifies it as a distracted driving offense. The Ministerio de Transporte and Policía Nacional enforce this under Article 110, penalizing drivers with fines up to 15 salarios mínimos diarios legales vigentes (SMDLV) and potential license suspension. Local jurisdictions like Bogotá and Medellín have intensified enforcement via Resolución 1231 de 2023, targeting high-risk behaviors ahead of the 2026 Plan Nacional de Seguridad Vial.
Key Regulations for Eating While Driving in Colombia
- Distraction Prohibition: Ley 769/2002 (Art. 110) explicitly bans “any activity that diverts attention,” including eating, drinking, or using mobile devices. Violators face fines and demerit points.
- Local Enforcement: Bogotá’s Secretaría Distrital de Movilidad and Medellín’s Área Metropolitana conduct roadside checks, often pairing with Policía de Tránsito to issue citations under Decreto 1077/2015.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Ministerio de Transporte plans stricter Resolución 2225 de 2024 to align with ONU Decenio de Acción para la Seguridad Vial, mandating driver education campaigns and higher penalties for repeat offenders.