From January 1 to January 5, 2023, traffic police in Moscow carried out a concentrated effort to curb driving under the influence. Across those five days, officers identified signs of intoxication in 307 drivers and took decisive action to prevent potentially dangerous road conditions. Detailed reports from the Moscow State Traffic Inspectorate relay the scale of this crackdown and the consequences that followed for those who chose to get behind the wheel while impaired.
Of the 307 drivers flagged for intoxication, investigators confirmed alcohol involvement in 130 cases. Those individuals were brought to administrative or criminal accountability in line with existing laws governing impaired driving. In contrast, 165 drivers who showed signs of intoxication refused to undergo a formal examination. For that refusal, authorities apply penalties comparable to those for drunk driving, including a suspension of driving rights for 1.5 to 2 years and a monetary fine of 30,000 rubles. This approach underscores the seriousness with which authorities treat refusal to be tested, recognizing it as a strong indicator of risk on the road and a breach of public safety norms.
Beyond the broader category of intoxication detections, the inspection teams also identified 12 drivers who operated vehicles while impaired and subsequently lost their licenses for this violation. Those cases carry the possibility of criminal liability for repeat offenses, reflecting a stepped approach to enforcement that ranges from administrative penalties to potential criminal charges when impairment recurs. Such measures are designed to deter repeat behavior and to safeguard other road users from the dangers associated with impaired driving.
Observers noted a broader trend during the same period: traffic conditions and driving behavior were under heightened scrutiny, with authorities emphasizing clear consequences for impaired operation. This emphasis aligns with ongoing public safety campaigns and the steady effort to reduce the number of accidents linked to alcohol impairment on Moscow roads. The tightened controls accompany a broader framework of traffic safety measures that authorities have pursued in recent years, aiming to lower risk and improve overall road safety.
Earlier coverage by Kommersant highlighted a notable reduction in reported travel speeds across Russia, a trend that intersects with enforcement actions and safety campaigns. Slower speeds can reduce the danger posed by impaired drivers and give other road users more time to react, contributing to a safer driving environment even as enforcement cases rise. The combined effect of the five-day crackdown, the penalties imposed, and the broader shift in driving behavior points to a comprehensive strategy: deter intoxicated driving, enforce penalties consistently, and influence driver habits through both legal consequence and public messaging.
In Moscow, the practical impact of these measures becomes visible through the actions of officers on patrol who routinely check for signs of impairment, conduct field sobriety tests when appropriate, and document violations with care. The penalties described—administrative fines, temporary license suspensions, and potential criminal liability for repeat offenses—form a clear hierarchy of responses designed to address varying levels of risk. For drivers, the message remains firm: driving under the influence is a serious offense with tangible costs for safety and livelihood. The objective is not only to punish but to prevent, reducing the likelihood that impaired driving will end in harm on the city’s busy streets.
As enforcement continues, the public is reminded of the importance of designating a safe alternative when alcohol is involved. Public transport, rideshare services, or a sober ride with a trusted driver can avert life-altering penalties and protect others. For those who encounter such enforcement, compliance is essential and immediate cooperation with inspectors helps ensure that the process moves quickly and fairly. The Moscow traffic police emphasize that the results of these efforts aim to create a safer driving environment and to reinforce responsible behavior behind the wheel.
The five-day period serves as a snapshot of ongoing efforts rather than a standalone event. It reflects a sustained policy framework that prioritizes road safety, enforces legal penalties for intoxication, and seeks to change driving culture over time. While the numbers tell a concrete story of enforcement, the broader takeaway centers on the shared responsibility of all road users to stay sober, stay alert, and make choices that protect everyone who shares the roads of Moscow and beyond.