During the New Year holidays, law enforcement and health authorities will intensify checks on drivers for alcohol impairment. A spokesperson for the traffic police confirmed that safety measures will be heightened, aiming to prevent impairment-related incidents during the festive period. Officials explained that officers will apply stringent sobriety checks, and specialists from the health ministry will participate to assess drivers who may be under the influence. The procedures will be conducted even when there are subtle indications of intoxication, ensuring that drivers are evaluated promptly and accurately.
The department outlined plans to organize additional rapid medical examinations to streamline the process. These quick assessments are intended to provide reliable evaluations on the spot, helping to ensure that nontaxed or impaired drivers are identified early and taken off the road if necessary. Officials stressed that the goal is to protect road users and reduce alcohol-related harm during a time when travel pressure rises and people are more likely to be on the move for celebrations.
Statistics from the previous year indicate the ongoing risk on the roads. In 2023, a significant number of traffic incidents occurred, resulting in dozens of fatalities, including youths. The figures underscore the importance of rigorous screening and quick medical evaluation when there is any suspicion of intoxication or impairment among drivers. Communities are urged to approach this period with heightened responsibility, recognizing that safety depends on clear judgment and adherence to testing protocols.
Starting March 1, Russia began permitting alcohol testing without an observer in certain circumstances. A government-approved framework allows police officers to conduct examinations in the presence of two witnesses or with the use of video recordings when there is reasonable suspicion of intoxication. The indicators considered during testing include the scent of alcohol, balance, facial coloration, and speech clarity. These measures are intended to improve accuracy and provide verifiable evidence, contributing to more consistent enforcement and safer roads during busy travel periods.
Experts note that rigorous sobriety enforcement benefits not only individual travelers but the wider public by reducing collision risk and emergency responses. While testing procedures evolve, authorities emphasize that the priority remains protecting lives and maintaining orderly traffic during holidays and peak travel times. Observers suggest that ongoing transparency and clear guidelines will help the public understand the process, encourage responsible driving, and support safer roadways for everyone during celebrations and beyond. Sources include official statements from traffic police and health ministry representatives, along with government policy documents cited in public briefings for safety oversight and enforcement practices (official reports, 2025).