New traffic code doubles worn tyre fine to 6,000 dinars

Drivers in Algeria with worn tyres face a fine of 6,000 dinars (DZD) under the new traffic code, which doubles the old amount, Algérie 360 reported.

All drivers with worn tyres are affected by the change. Law 26-09 of 12 May 2026 on the traffic code was published in the Official Journal on 17 May 2026.

The new law repeals law 01-14 of 2001 and sorts traffic offences into four degrees, each with a fixed fine. Article 121 of the code places tyres that do not meet the standards among third-degree offences, in its first category, alongside speeding of 10% to 20%.

Before the change, the fine was 3,000 dinars (DZD) under law 01-14. Decree 04-381 of 28 November 2004 requires tyres to show grooves across their whole tread.

Algérie 360 says worn tyres drain water poorly on wet roads. This lengthens braking distances and raises the risk of aquaplaning, when a car loses grip on a wet surface.

The National Gendarmerie warns on its official "Tariki" page that these risks include poor braking, skidding and the risk of tyres bursting. These risks affect the driver, passengers and other road users.

Algérie 360 says the first autumn rains often leave a slippery film of dust and oil on the road. A tyre in good condition is the best protection for braking in time.

Paying the fine

Drivers have 45 days to pay the fine, at offices of the Ministry of Finance or at Algérie Poste. Their driving licence is kept until payment, unless they pay electronically straight away.

They can keep driving for 10 days with the document the officer gives them. Algérie 360 advises paying the notice quickly.

Checks and penalties

Officers use measuring devices for tyre grooves, defined by law, to check whether tyres comply. Road transport inspectors can also record the offence, in the presence of security services.

When the condition of the tyres is a serious danger, officers can order the vehicle to be immobilised. Each tyre has wear indicators, small raised parts at the bottom of the grooves. When the tread reaches them, the tyre must be replaced without delay.

If the driver does not pay on time, the case goes to the public prosecutor. The court then doubles the fine by penal order to 12,000 dinars (DZD).

The new code also increases the penalties for some offences committed by professional drivers. These include public transport, taxis, and the carriage of goods or dangerous materials.

The 2004 decree remains in use for its technical rules until new implementing texts are published.