Ukraine's parliament increases drink-driving penalties

The Verkhovna Rada has passed a law tightening the liability for driving a vehicle in a state of alcoholic intoxication.

Some 239 deputies voted for approval of the law, with the required minimum being 226 votes, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Law No. 7279-d, which amends certain legislative acts of Ukraine concerning the simplification of a pre-trial investigation into certain categories of criminal offenses, determines the strengthening of liability for driving vehicles in a state of alcoholic intoxication.

Thus, driving a vehicle while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs or under the influence of medicinal products that reduce attention and speed of reaction is punishable by a fine of 1,000 (UAH 17,000, or about $600) to 2,000 tax-free minimum incomes (UAH 34,000, or about $1,200) and the deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle for a term of up to three years. At the same time, similar actions, if committed again, will cost citizens a fine of up to 3,000 tax-free minimum incomes (UAH 51,000, or about $1,800) and the deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a term of two to three years.

The penalties envisaged by law also apply to ship drivers while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs or under the influence of medicinal products that reduce attention and speed of reaction.

op