The key facts
- Mass checks of drivers will take place on October 31 and November 1; in a number of regions the raids began on October 30
- The main goal of the raids is to identify drunk drivers
- Driving while intoxicated carries a fine of 45,000 rubles and a license suspension of 1.5–2 years
Mass road checks over the weekend
State traffic police officers will step up control on Russian roads over the weekend, on October 31 and November 1. Regions will hold mass and blanket checks of motorists, the main goal of which is to identify drunk drivers. In some regions the raids began as early as Friday, October 30, reports Life.ru.
Where and when the raids will take place
Regional divisions of the State traffic police announced the preventive measures. Inspectors will take to the roads of the Arkhangelsk, Kirov, Ryazan, Ivanovo and Kaliningrad regions, among others. The timing of the checks varies: for example, in the Kaliningrad region the raids will last until November 2.
Appeal to drivers and penalties for intoxication
The Interior Ministry urged Russians not to remain indifferent if they notice a person showing signs of intoxication behind the wheel, and to report such cases to the police — officials there assured that the information would be promptly verified. «Do not risk your own life, the lives of your passengers and other road users: do not get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol,» said Anton Belan, a police colonel and deputy head of the propaganda department of the Russian Interior Ministry's State traffic police, addressing motorists.
What awaits drunk drivers
Driving a car while intoxicated carries a fine of 45,000 rubles and a license suspension of one and a half to two years. The same penalty applies for refusing a medical examination. Repeat driving while intoxicated may lead to criminal liability.
What to remember about leniency and inspectors' powers
Earlier, Life.ru reported in which cases a traffic violation can end with an oral warning instead of a fine: according to the Interior Ministry's explanations, such leniency is allowed only for minor offenses, and driving while intoxicated and refusing a medical examination do not fall under this rule. In addition, the Interior Ministry dismissed reports that traffic police inspectors would be able to strip motorists of their driver's licenses without a court decision starting in March. Thus, during the weekend raids, punishment for intoxication remains possible only within the limits established by law.
