A group of deputies from the LDPR has proposed a bill to the State Duma addressing the administrative liability of traffic police officers for illegally issuing fines. The draft suggests that if a camera or an inspector issues a fine improperly, the responsible employee would face a penalty equal to the fine that was imposed, with a minimum of 5000 rubles. This proposal aims to deter unjust penalties and ensure accountability at the point of enforcement.
Nevertheless, the Ministry of Internal Affairs did not back the idea. It forwarded a formal justification to the Ministry of Justice of Russia, explaining that the bill is not supported because internal affairs officials can already be held disciplinarily liable under the Federal Law No. 342-FZ of November 30, 2011, on Service in the Bodies of the Internal Affairs Authorities of the Russian Federation and amendments to certain legislative acts. In addition, administrative responsibility already exists under the Code of Administrative Offenses. In short, the proposed measure would duplicate existing mechanisms for accountability and supervision, and therefore seems unnecessary to some officials.
The Ministry notes that, even today, every instance of an erroneous decision undergoes internal review, and appropriate corrective actions are taken when faults are found. This process is designed to identify errors, determine responsibility, and prevent repeat offenses, without waiting for new legislation.
A note on context: accountability in law enforcement is a continuing debate across many jurisdictions. Debates like this commonly focus on balancing timely enforcement with fair procedures, ensuring that fines are applied correctly, and that officials are held to clear standards of conduct. The discussions emphasize the importance of transparent processes, independent review when errors occur, and the mechanisms that exist to safeguard citizens from wrongful penalties. Such considerations often inform policy proposals and administrative practices, even when lawmakers differ on the best path forward.
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