The creator of the widely-followed Facebook page "Holguín en fotos" recently faced a 2,000 pesos fine for not displaying fare prices inside his electric tricycle, used for transporting passengers. However, the narrative took an unexpected twist when his 10-year-old son, Danielito, offered a homemade solution.
"Dad, I'll make the sign for you," Danielito assured his father upon learning about the incident.
Earlier, the driver shared the news of the penalty on Facebook, accompanied by a selfie featuring the fine receipt. "Starting the day with a fine but keeping a positive attitude. First Ring → 50 CUP / Second Ring → 100 CUP / See you at the station," he wrote.
The post sparked a flurry of reactions, prompting the Holguín resident to elaborate in a video about what transpired.
Unanticipated Compliance Issue
The penalty wasn't issued by the Traffic Police but rather by an official from the Municipal Government of Holguín's Inspection and Supervision Department (DIS). According to his account, inspectors arrived at the station near the stadium, where tricycles pick up passengers, and proceeded to check documentation.
"I have all the necessary documents for operating as a transporter. I always aim to comply with the law," he explained.
Everything was in place except for one requirement: he lacked a visible sign inside the vehicle indicating the trip costs.
Having worked as a transporter for just over a month, he claimed he was unaware of the continued necessity for such a sign. A colleague had informed him that while initially required, the signage was supposedly no longer mandatory following a shift to a supply and demand system.
"I got complacent. It's not an excuse, but I did," he admitted.
He expressed no objection to the fine itself, acknowledging, "I'm not against the fine. I see it as fair, because my ignorance or misinformation doesn't excuse me from having the sign."
The penalty totaled 2,000 pesos, though he managed to pay 1,000 CUP by taking advantage of a 50% discount for payments made within the first five days, a detail he learned from the inspector.
Information Gap and Compliance Challenges
His main grievance centered on the inadequate information provided to those striving to meet all legal requirements for work.
He recounted needing to visit at least six different institutions to secure the necessary permits and documents before beginning passenger transport.
"No one told me about this," he lamented regarding the fare display requirement.
In Holguín, authorities initiated a temporary special permit system for electric tricycles in 2026, amid government efforts to regulate this transport service.
The fine itself stirred further debate among his followers. The receipt bore erasures and overwritten numbers in the section specifying the amount, leading several individuals to suggest he contest it.
Ultimately, he visited the payment office, where he was informed the amount was legible and the document valid. He decided to pay the 1,000 pesos and, as he put it, "get it over with."
A Son's Solution with Lasting Impact
The incident unfolded amid increased scrutiny of private workers. In April, a social media report revealed inspectors admitting they had to issue fines, even amid questions about the incentive system for this sector.
Amidst all the bureaucracy, explanations, and the fine, the resolution came from an unexpected source.
His young son, Danielito, understood why his father was fined and took it upon himself to resolve the issue.
"Dad, I'll make the sign for you," he declared.
The boy crafted the fare sign by hand, and his father placed it inside the tricycle.
Beyond merely complying with the requirement that led to the fine, the sign now holds a special significance for him.
"I have a deep affection for it," he confessed.
He intends to keep it even if it someday becomes unnecessary: "Even if tomorrow they tell me the sign is no longer needed in the tricycle, I'm going to leave it."
Understanding Fines and Compliance in Cuban Transport
Why was the Cuban transporter fined?
The transporter was fined for not displaying a sign indicating fare prices inside his electric tricycle, which is a requirement for legal operation.
How did his son help resolve the issue?
The transporter's 10-year-old son, Danielito, offered to make the missing fare sign by hand, which was then placed inside the tricycle to meet the requirement.
What legal steps did the transporter take to comply?
Before starting his transport service, the transporter visited multiple institutions to obtain the necessary permits and documents, though he was not informed about the fare sign requirement.