CSDD Chairman: Even confiscations do not stop drunk drivers 0 27

This question was answered by the Chairman of the Board of CSDD, Aivars Aksenoks, who explained in detail what conditions apply for the return of driving licenses and how the state tries to protect other road users.

According to Aksenoks, driving licenses are revoked at any level of alcohol intoxication. The minimum period of deprivation is six months — this applies to novice drivers with less than two years of experience if they are found to have between 0.2 and 0.5 promille.

If the alcohol concentration is higher, the deprivation period can range from three to five years. However, even after this period, licenses are not automatically returned. Aksenoks emphasizes: licenses are not simply given back. After the punishment period ends, the driver essentially has to start from scratch:

• undergo a special educational course;
• pass a medical commission;

only then can they take exams as if they were obtaining their license for the first time.

At the same time, Aksenoks acknowledges a serious problem: even the confiscation of cars does not stop some drivers. "Despite the fact that cars are confiscated, drivers continue to drive while intoxicated. They are incorrigible, and nothing affects them," he says.