The price of a kiss

A WOMAN from Galicia is facing an €80 fine for being kissed on the cheek while driving.

While she was travelling through the urban area of O Carballiño (Ourense), her partner kissed her innocently on the cheek.

A few seconds later, the car was stopped by two Guardia Civil officers, who fined the woman for what they called a ‘negligent act.’

“I could not believe it,” said the woman, “in fact, I asked the officers if it was a joke.”

But it was not a joke, and the officers explained to her that as it could ‘limit her movement,’ being kissed while driving was punishable.

The woman then told the officers that she would appeal the fine, to which they responded that she would lose a discount offered when fines are paid earlier, and instead of €40 she would have to pay the whole amount.

The woman said that many people have described similar incidents to her.

Many believe this practice is carried out by police only to collect more money, and the woman is expecting to be exempted from paying the fine.

However, head of the Guardia Civil in Galicia, Francisco Javier Molana, confirmed that being kissed while driving could be a potential distraction, thus punishable.