Russia is considering a new legal measure aimed at strengthening road safety by tying driver licensing actions to an individual’s history of traffic violations, specifically drunken driving. The State Duma is examining a bill reported by the news agency TASS, which references the text of the proposed law. The essence of the draft is to add a provision to the road safety code that restricts the taking of a driving test for individuals who have already received an administrative fine for impaired driving.
The proposed norm would not only bar those with a current drink driving record from attempting the driving test but would also suspend any license examination for categories of people who may not ordinarily drive at all. In effect, the bill links the administrative penalty for intoxicated driving with the prerequisite of being eligible to sit for a driving examination, creating a concrete link between past violations and the pathway to obtaining or retaining the right to drive. The explanatory materials accompanying the bill emphasize that the restriction remains in force for as long as the administrative penalty period lasts, effectively extending the time during which the person cannot pursue licensing. — TASS.
Advocates behind the initiative argue that criminal punishment can manifest as a deprivation of driving rights, applying to both those who currently hold driving licenses and those who do not. As a result, the bill also contemplates the prohibition of acquiring the license in driving activities for individuals who are already deprived of the right to drive, or who are subject to a penalty imposed in the form of license deprivation through the prescribed procedural steps. In short, the measure seeks to close loopholes that might otherwise permit a person to regain the right to drive while under administrative sanctions, thereby reinforcing the state’s ability to enforce traffic safety norms. — TASS.
Beyond the core licensing restriction, the document introduces new standards for professional bus drivers and addresses the question of whether individuals holding foreign driving licenses may be allowed to operate vehicles within the country. This set of clarifications is intended to ensure that foreign credentials are consistent with Russian licensing requirements and safety expectations, particularly for high-risk driving roles such as passenger transport. The bill’s authors aim to provide unambiguous rules that align foreign license recognition with the ongoing enforcement of domestic penalties for traffic offenses. — TASS.
Officials and legal commentators have noted that the draft mirrors broader trends in traffic safety policy that seek to connect past behavior with future driving eligibility. If enacted, the changes could affect a wide range of drivers, from ordinary motorists who commit a drunken driving violation to professionals whose licenses govern the operation of large vehicles. The bill also underlines the government’s intent to create clearer consequences for repeat offenders, while simultaneously clarifying the conditions under which foreign licenses may be validated within the national framework. The procedure associated with these provisions would require careful administration to avoid undue penalties while preserving due process for those contesting penalties or seeking license restoration. — TASS.
As the State Duma debates the measure, observers are weighing potential implications for road safety, civil liberties, and the practical administration of licensing examinations. Proponents argue that linking examination eligibility to the penalty period could reduce recurrences of impaired driving by delaying access to driving privileges during periods of heightened risk. Critics, meanwhile, caution that the policy could lead to inequities or administrative delays if not implemented with clear criteria and robust oversight. The ongoing discussion reflects a broader fight over how to balance deterrence with rehabilitation and fair treatment within the licensing system. — TASS.
In the current political climate, many stakeholders are urging transparent review of the bill, with particular attention to the enforcement mechanics, the duration of penalties, and the treatment of foreign license holders who seek to navigate Russian traffic rules. If the bill proceeds, it would represent a notable tightening of the road safety framework, aligning licensing procedures more closely with penalties for driving under the influence and with professional standards for high-stakes operators. The draft remains under consideration as lawmakers seek to refine the language and ensure that the proposed provisions are enforceable, just, and in step with international norms for traffic safety. — TASS.