[Addis Standard] Addis Abeba -- Last year, the Council of Ministers ratified Traffic Regulation No. 557/2024, a measure designed to strengthen oversight of road transport and enhance traffic safety. Since taking effect on 09 January, 2025, the regulation has drawn widespread public attention for the substantial fines it imposes on traffic and vehicle-related violations. It sets penalties of 500 to 1,500 birr for first-time traffic offenses, with fines for other vehicle-related infractions reaching as high as 20,000 birr. Consequently,