The MIA's thoughts on the harm of drunk driving resurfaced.
Cruising with Caution: Kazakhstan tightens the screws on drunk drivers
In a recent update, Askar Tazhenov, the head of the administrative police department for the MVD of RK, outlined the severe penalties for individuals found driving under the influence of alcohol, as reported by Total.kz.
"First off, the duration of license suspensions has seen a significant increase," Tazhenov explained at a press conference. "Whereas a first-time offender formerly faced a three-year ban, the new rules dictate a seven-year suspension."
These stringent measures don't stop there. A brand-new administrative punishment, known as arrest, has been integrated into the system, which must be served alongside the license revocation.
So, what does this mean for Kazakhstan's drunk drivers? For starters, even a first-time offender will not only forfeit their driving privileges but also face a 15-day administrative arrest.
But the consequences don't end there. Should a drunk driver cause a traffic accident resulting in property damage, but no injuries, they can expect a 20-day administrative arrest and a seven-year driving ban.
"Previously, such offenses resulted in a 4-year driving ban without the need for arrest. If the same offense is repeated within a year of the previous punishment, the penalty is a 20-day arrest and an eight-year driving ban," Tazhenov further explained.
Additionally, the penalties for drivers who decline to submit to a sobriety test have been amplified. Since the start of 2020, such drivers now face an eight-year driving ban and a 15-day arrest, up from the previous three-year ban.
While specific details about these changes in Kazakhstan might be scant, it's worth noting similar trends towards stricter penalties for drunk driving are evident in countries worldwide. For instance, in the UK, drunk driving officers may face severe fines, the possibility of imprisonment, and substantial driving bans[3].
As always, it's crucial to drive safely and responsibly to avoid running afoul of these new rules. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's best to consult official Kazakhstan sources or legal updates directly.
- In Kazakhstan, first-time drunk drivers now face a seven-year revocation of their driving licenses, an increase from the previous three-year ban, in conjunction with a 15-day arrest.
- If a drunk driver causes a traffic accident resulting in property damage but no injuries, they can anticipate a 20-day administrative arrest and a seven-year driving ban.
- A driver who refuses to submit to a sobriety test in Kazakhstan now faces an eight-year driving ban and a 15-day arrest, a significant increase from the previous three-year ban.
- These stricter penalties for drunk driving in Kazakhstan are part of a global trend, as evidenced by similar penalties in countries like the UK, where officers convicted of drunk driving may face severe fines, imprisonment, and substantial driving bans.
- It is of paramount importance to be aware of the science behind alcohol impairment and the impact it can have on one's health-and-wellness, mental-health, and overall driving abilities, as well as to drive safely and responsibly to avoid crime-and-justice issues stemming from drunk driving.
