On March 8, the law came into force, requiring the driver’s license to be revoked, re-examination and some fines to be increased to 15,000 soms.
Some have argued that the new rules will increase corruption among road safety officials. The Ministry of Internal Affairs assures that corruption will not be tolerated.
“If you break it again, you’ll be tested”
According to the new rules, a drunk driver will be deprived of a driver’s license for one year. If caught drinking alcohol for the second time, the right to drive will be revoked for 3 years. Previously, a drunk driver had to pay a fine of 17.5 thousand soms.
A number of fines have increased. If you drive 40-60 kilometers per hour faster than the specified norm – 7,500 soms, if you exceed 60 – 15,000 soms.
For example: if you drive with 100 on the road sign 60 – 7500 soms (previously 5500 soms), and if you drive over 120 – you will pay a fine of 15 000 soms (previously 7500).
- Driving in the opposite lane is fined 15,000 soms (previously 5,500 soms);
- 15 thousand soms will be paid for car hooliganism. (previously 7,500 soms);
- A fine of 5,500 soms (previously 3,000 soms) will be paid to those who cross the traffic light or drive on the sidewalk.
- A fine of 20,000 soms is imposed on a car with fake license plate, and if this rule is repeatedly violated, the driver’s license will be revoked for one year;
Drivers who violate traffic rules three times will be sent to take the test again. Are they:
- Those who deliberately cover their number, those who do not put it on one side;
- Those who do not comply with the request of the police to stop the car;
- Those who do not allow official vehicles with lights and siren;
- Those who violate the rules of overtaking or maneuvering by entering the opposite lane;
- Those who cause damage to the driver’s health by violating the traffic rules (if the driver’s actions have no signs of crime);
- Those who give their car to someone who is drunk or has no right to drive.
By the way, if previously the driver had the right to drive with an unpaid fine of up to 10,000 soms, now if it exceeds 3,000 soms, the fine will be stopped at the parking garage.
“Is corruption flourishing in MAI?”
New rules for registering traffic violators are being hotly discussed in the community. Marat The driver named is one of those who believe that fines should be based on the salary in the country:
“How can we pay a fine of 15,000 soms? My salary is 20,000 soms. A person makes a mistake and violates the rules, we could pay a fine according to the salary. Instead of paying 15,000 soms, give 5,000 soms to the traffic police. Traffic accidents will not decrease,” he said.
However, there are still a few who support increasing responsibility for traffic rules. One of them said that he has been a driver for many years Amanbay supports the government’s move:
“Why are road accidents happening? They drive hard even when they are drunk or drunk. How many people have died. Those who violate the rules could have had their licenses revoked forever. We must understand that this is a forced measure.”
An activist who exposes cases of law-breaking by highway workers Ertai Iskakov in the opinion that it is impossible to reduce traffic accidents by increasing fines. The activist says that in order to prevent road accidents, the industry that provides road safety should be comprehensively reformed.
“Now not a single road safety inspector is responsible for traffic accidents. They know how to stop a car while hiding. The employee who received the money should be arrested and everyone should be responsible for the accidents in their area. Increasing fines will not help.”
The Ministry of Internal Affairs says that corruption will not be allowed and that the institution’s own security service, the prosecutor’s office, the National Security Service, and civil society representatives are monitoring the case.
President Japarov’s opinion
President Sadyr Japarov He also made a detailed comment on this to the “Kabar” news agency, saying that this is a measure to reduce road accidents. Japarov presented the statistics of road accident fatalities every year. According to it, every year about 800 people die and about 10 thousand become disabled.
“I gave an example of the statistics of the last three years. Many families have been mourning the loss of loved ones for decades. Therefore, we should fully support the idea that “thrice violators will retake the exam.” If you know the rules of the road well, you will immediately pass and leave. If you don’t know, you will learn. Those who bought the certificate will be corrected in this way. What is wrong with it. In addition, we see that the children of some rich people drive at 240 instead of 100,” Japarov said.
The President noted that increasing the amount of traffic fines is not a way to fill the treasury.
The Main Department of Traffic Safety of the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that in 2022 there were 7040 road accidents, 11 thousand 49 people were injured, and 690 people died.
According to information, compared to 2021, car accidents decreased by 5.3% and deaths by 20.5% last year.
According to official information, there are about 1 million 400 thousand cars in Kyrgyzstan. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 80% of road accidents are caused by the fault of drivers.