The Basque Government and the municipalities of over 50,000 inhabitants of Araba, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa have agreed to tighten sanctions for misuse of white weapons. On Friday the new regulations enter into force and the amounts of fines increased.

The meeting of the working group of the Basque Government and EUDEL analysed data on white weapons and dangerous items recently seized by the Ertzaintza and local police forces.

According to data published by the Government, in 2022 the Ertzaintza demanded 400 complaints about the withdrawal of white weapons in unauthorized situations. Meanwhile, the Local Police filed 538 complaints. In total, 968 complaints have been filed, 19% more than in 2019. Given these data, at the time of the processing of complaints, it is agreed to increase the amount of fines, within the margin permitted by the Law on Citizen Security.

Fines

• Carrying a weapon prohibited by regulation: the penalty will go from EUR 900 to EUR 1,500.
• Carry the regulated weapon, but in place or unauthorized situation: the fine will go from EUR 602 to EUR 1,000.
• Public establishment, entertainment venue or large influx of public (bottlenecks, affluence street, bar area, etc.) The increase will be 100%.
• If it is affected by alcohol or drugs, it will increase by 100%.
• If the situation of the person is violent, it will increase by 100%.
• If the person takes the weapon in the hand or threatens it, it will increase by 100%.
• The negligent use of the weapon by the person will increase by 100%.
• Minors cannot carry white weapons. In this case, it is a serious infringement, which currently goes from EUR 100 to EUR 600 to EUR 300.