Drinking mate while driving may seem like a harmless habit, but in some Argentine provinces it has become a traffic violation.
Córdoba and Mendoza impose fines that reach up to $420,000 for those who drive while drinking mate on the road.
Why is drinking mate while driving prohibited?
The country's most popular infusion is part of the ritual for many drivers, especially on long trips. Besides being a cultural habit, it is attributed with an energizing effect.
However, in Córdoba and Mendoza this practice is considered risky. For the authorities, it involves losing control of the vehicle by taking one hand off the wheel.
How much are the fines for drinking mate on the road
Mendoza imposes one of the harshest penalties in the country
In this province, drinking mate while driving is considered a serious offense. The penalty reaches 1000 fixed units, which is equivalent to $420,000 according to the current unit value ($420).
The regulation is framed in Decree 326/18 of law 9024. It requires keeping both hands on the wheel, except for exceptions like changing gears.
Córdoba also fines "unsafe driving"
In Córdoba, drinking mate at the wheel is considered risky driving, just like smoking. The fine is 20 fixed units, that is, $24,000, with a unit value of $1200.
