Responsibility for Drunk Driving in Kyrgyzstan is Set to Be Tightened

During a meeting of the relevant committee of the Jogorku Kenesh, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Oktobyr Urmambetov, presented an initiative to amend several laws related to road safety. The new draft law "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts on Ensuring Road Safety" has been developed in accordance with the presidential decree dated December 7, 2021, No. 548, and aims to reduce the number of road traffic accidents and their serious consequences.

The proposed changes affect the Criminal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, the Code of Offenses, and the Law "On Road Traffic in the Kyrgyz Republic." The main goal is to tighten the measures of responsibility for drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances.

It was emphasized at the meeting that the proposed measures are intended to enhance safety on the roads and prevent offenses. In particular, it is proposed to tighten responsibility for violating traffic rules while intoxicated if it leads to serious consequences, including loss of life. In such cases, the draft law excludes the possibility of exemption from criminal liability through reconciliation with the victims and prohibits the application of probation for those convicted of such crimes.

Additionally, the draft law mandates the imposition of additional penalties for traffic violations. A new mechanism for enforcing penalties is also introduced, which clearly defines the procedure for the seizure, storage, and return of driver's licenses after the expiration of the disqualification period.

Changes will be made to the Code of Offenses regarding the tightening of sanctions for driving a vehicle while intoxicated, including increasing the maximum term of administrative arrest to 20 days.

Furthermore, it is planned to introduce liability for exceeding the average speed in areas monitored by photo and video cameras, as well as to strengthen the punishment for refusing to undergo medical examination.

The draft law also proposes the possibility of temporarily revoking a driver's license with mandatory retaking of exams on traffic rules.

New terms will be added to the Law "On Road Traffic," defining the responsibilities of vehicle owners regarding their registration and re-registration, as well as the grounds for refusal of registration. The use of unregistered vehicles is prohibited. Conditions for obtaining driving licenses, age restrictions, and requirements for driving experience will be clarified.

Moreover, the draft law proposes to equate mopeds with mechanical vehicles, establish their mandatory registration, and require a category "A" driver's license for operating them. The developers believe that these measures will enhance discipline among moped owners and improve the overall situation on the roads.