Russia wants to develop a new measure for drivers caught drunk behind the wheel. They may not only be fined or punished by law, but also additionally referred to doctors – for diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or medical rehabilitation.
The development of the measure is linked to some drivers' use of psychoactive substances. Simply put, it's not just about punishing a driver for driving while intoxicated, but also about a possible referral to doctors.
The Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice must study this issue and submit a report to the government by 2027.
Separately, the agencies will have to prepare changes to the rules for medical examination for intoxication. This applies to alcohol, drug, or other toxic intoxication.
Currently, for the first instance of driving while intoxicated, if there are no signs of a criminal offense, the driver faces an administrative fine of 45,000 rubles and deprivation of rights for a period of one and a half to two years. The same penalty is provided for handing over control to a drunk driver. Refusal of a medical examination effectively entails similar consequences.
If a person has already been punished for drunk driving or refusing a check and again got behind the wheel while intoxicated, it may already be a matter of criminal liability under Article 264.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation – with a fine of 300,000 to 500,000 rubles, restriction of freedom, forced labor, or imprisonment for up to three years, as well as a ban on engaging in certain activities for up to six years.