The Police Directorate of Vlora has taken decisive legal and administrative measures against a 22-year-old man who recklessly endangered public safety by performing dangerous driving maneuvers. The incident, which took place in the area known as “Kapelja,” has once again drawn attention to the growing issue of reckless driving among young motorists in Albania’s coastal city.
According to the official police report, specialists from the Crime Investigation Unit at the Vlora Police Station referred the case to the Prosecutor’s Office of the First Instance Court of General Jurisdiction in Vlora. The individual, identified as D. Xh., a 22-year-old resident of Vlora, is being investigated for the criminal offenses of “Disobedience to a police officer’s order” and “Disturbance of public order.”
Dangerous Driving and Public Disturbance
The investigation revealed that the young man repeatedly spun the tires of his BMW in a public area, performing “donuts” and other stunts that created significant risk for pedestrians and other vehicles nearby. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the sound of screeching tires echoing through the neighborhood.
The incident not only caused disturbance but also created a potential for serious accidents. When approached by a patrol unit, the driver reportedly refused to obey police orders to stop, escalating the situation into a criminal matter.
Such acts, though sometimes seen by thrill-seekers as harmless fun, are considered a direct threat to public safety under Albanian law. Authorities emphasize that reckless displays of speed and control are strictly prohibited, especially in populated or high-traffic areas.
Strict Administrative Sanctions and License Suspension
In addition to the criminal proceedings, the Vlora Road Traffic Unit imposed severe administrative penalties on the driver. He was fined a total of 52,000 Albanian lekë for violating multiple articles of the Albanian Road Code — specifically articles 139/8, 153/5, 139/3, 190/1-6, and 120/1-6.
The violations encompass reckless driving, creating public disturbance, and failure to comply with police instructions. Furthermore, authorities decided to revoke his driving license and applied the complementary measure of vehicle seizure to prevent any future offenses.
The BMW, which had been used to perform the dangerous stunts, was officially confiscated following the conclusion of procedural actions.
Police Statement: Zero Tolerance for Reckless Behavior
Vlora Police reiterated their firm stance on road safety, stating that any driver who endangers citizens’ lives or violates public order will face both criminal prosecution and administrative sanctions.
In their statement, police emphasized that such actions are not only irresponsible but also deeply disrespectful to the community. The authorities called on all drivers — especially young people — to act responsibly and adhere to traffic regulations to avoid serious legal consequences.
“Our priority remains the protection of citizens and the guarantee of public safety. Anyone who chooses to endanger others by performing illegal maneuvers will be held accountable according to the law,” a police spokesperson said.
Public Reaction and Growing Awareness
The case has sparked discussion among local residents and on social media platforms, where many citizens expressed support for the police action. Several users highlighted the importance of stricter enforcement to curb reckless behavior on the roads of Vlora and across Albania.
Others pointed out that similar incidents have become increasingly common, often fueled by social media trends where young drivers post videos of dangerous stunts for online attention. Authorities have vowed to monitor such behavior closely and identify those responsible for promoting unsafe driving culture.
Ongoing Efforts to Improve Road Safety
This latest incident aligns with a broader national effort by the Albanian State Police to enhance traffic safety and reduce accidents caused by reckless or intoxicated drivers. Over the past months, law enforcement agencies have intensified patrols, increased the use of radar and surveillance systems, and imposed higher fines for repeated offenders.
Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to remind drivers of the severe consequences — both legal and personal — that come with irresponsible driving.
The case of the 22-year-old BMW driver in Vlora serves as a stark reminder that reckless driving is not a show of skill or confidence, but a violation of law that can endanger countless lives. With the combination of criminal charges, financial penalties, and vehicle seizure, Albanian authorities send a clear message: public safety comes first.