IAA 2025

Whose vehicles will be permanently confiscated and why?

Will this major change in our legislation, which has been announced several times in the past, really be adopted this time and how will it be implemented in practice? Will those who do not drive their own cars be punished so rigorously for the most serious violations, and how will such a penalty be implemented when it comes to vehicles owned by another individual, company, rental company, bank or leasing company? Will the permanent confiscation of someone's personal movable property violate the right to property guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia and do we really need such a strict sanction for perpetrators of traffic violations?

Although our legislation already includes a measure of permanent confiscation of vehicles that has been applied for years under the Law on the Transport of Passengers in Road Traffic, such a measure has never been introduced for traffic violations. And it is not that there have been no announcements. This idea has been around for years because neither the police nor the courts know how to deal with reckless drivers who, regardless of the fines and other penalties imposed, continue to commit the most serious traffic violations, endangering not only their own lives, but also the lives of others. There was a lot of talk, debate, and announcements about it, but despite everything, in the end it all resulted only in the temporary seizure of vehicles, which could last until the end of the court proceedings, after which the cars were returned to their owners. This began after the amendments to the Road Traffic Safety Act were first adopted in September 2023, and then the new Regulation on the manner of conducting control and direct regulation of traffic and keeping records on the application of special measures and authorizations was adopted in February last year. After that, the traffic police began to temporarily seize vehicles from perpetrators of the most serious traffic violations, but only those who had previously been convicted twice for that. Well, it seems that the time has come for this punitive measure to be changed to the one that was originally intended, and by all accounts, it will finally happen. As the portal Polojn automobili has learned, such a change is being brought about by the new Traffic Safety Act, which has already been discussed and should come into force at the end of this or the beginning of next year.

Do we need such a measure?..."I think that we absolutely need such a punitive measure, although it may sound too rigorous to some. Families who have lost their members forever because of arrogant drivers will certainly not," says Olivera Ristanović, president of the Misdemeanor Court in Belgrade.

"Since we started implementing the legal possibility of temporarily confiscating vehicles last year, we have had many such cases, and there were even those who experienced this measure two or even three times. Simply put, there are drivers who the existing penalties cannot deter from committing the most serious violations, and that is why our idea is to prescribe the possibility of permanently confiscating vehicles in the new law," says Slaviša Lakićević, Head of the Traffic Police Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.

“The Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo takes our GSE sub-brand to the next level. It not only shows what is possible on a small car platform, but also provides a clear look into the future and appeals to all types of car enthusiasts. For the first time ever, an Opel concept car doesn’t just have to be admired from afar. This fall, everyone can drive this stunning new car in Gran Turismo 7 and experience GSE moments for themselves. The result of combining the iconic Corsa nameplate with high-performance GSE features speaks for itself,” said Opel CEO Florian Hüttl.

Outstanding efficiency paired with exciting driving dynamics is key to the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo. It comes with two 350 kW/476 hp electric motors, one on each axle, and boasts a combined output of 588 kW/800 hp. In addition, permanent all-wheel drive improves traction, handling and overall vehicle stability.

The Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.0 seconds and can reach a top speed of 320 km/h. Furthermore, engaging the boost function, which provides an additional 59 kW/80 hp for up to four seconds, makes overtaking on the track even easier. When fully discharged, the boost function fully charges in 80 seconds. Despite coming with an 82 kWh battery, the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo weighs just 1,170 kg. This is achieved thanks to the use of lightweight materials throughout the model. Exciting performance is accompanied by a muscular and powerful appearance, and the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo demonstrates the freedom that the STLA Small platform allows in terms of design and proportions. The concept car has a similar footprint to the Corsa, but is lower and significantly wider. 

Inside, drivers can look forward to a relaxed racing experience. The elegant steering wheel provides an unobstructed view of the most important information projected on the head-up display – no additional screens are required. The lightweight driver’s sports seat – also designed in black and bright yellow – with six-point seat belts fully integrates the driver into the driving experience and, together with the roll cage, ensures the highest standards of safety.

The body sculpture displays sharp and precise characteristic lines combined with technical and machined details. At the front, the latest concept from Rüsselsheim features a new, slimmer version of Opel’s next-generation visor. The illuminated Opel badge sits proudly in the center of the distinctive Opel Compass, a design cue that also serves as the car’s backbone. It is surrounded by distinctive light strips on a horizontal axis that end in two three-dimensional glass blocks. The vertical axis is now also illuminated around the badge, and a central crease extends from the front bumper to the aero-optimized hood.

This principle continues at the rear with a distinctive brake light, created using edge-light technology. This is combined with the bold “OPEL” lettering to form a central element. The wide taillight merges with the rear window to give the rear of the car a bold and casual look.

The Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is the latest highlight in Opel’s long history of concept cars. The concept draws inspiration from Opel’s strong roots in motorsport and combines this with the iconic Corsa badge, while at the same time providing a glimpse of future generations of sporty GSE models. In short, it embodies Opel’s highly dynamic GSE sub-brand and brings it all together in a fully electric, high-performance small car.

Autonews