Beijing changes traffic accident policy for Olympics

By Chen Qian  |   2008-6-30  |     ONLINE EDITION

DRIVERS involved in minor traffic accidents in Beijing during the Olympics should remove their vehicle from the scene as soon as possible to prevent traffic jams, Beijing News reported today.

The Beijing Traffic authority announced this special rule for the Olympic period yesterday. Minor accidents are those that only cause a slight injury or financial loss and the car can still be driven, the report said, citing traffic police.

According to the rule, both parties in the accident should move from the spot and either settle the dispute or call police. If they fail to do move their vehicle, drivers will be fined 200 yuan (US$29.14) or even receive an administrative penalty.

However, the rule states that if someone is driving without a license or is drunk at the time of an accident, they must remain at the scene and wait for police to arrive, the report said.

The rule will be in effect from July 8 through October 16.

After that, the regulation will end and people involved in any accident will once again be required to wait at the scene until police arrive, the report said, citing the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau.

Some worried that those injured in accidents would refuse to leave the site in order to avoid hit and runs. In such cases, drivers must remain at the accident site and the 200 yuan fine would be waved, the report said.

According to the bureau, traffic police street patrols will be beefed up during the Olympics. Officers will arrive at an accident scene soon after receiving a call for help, the report said.