July 2003

- Remi Blondet

Russians tighten up drink-driving

28 July 2003: Russia has introduced western-style drink driving limits to replace a vague law that simply prohibited people from being 'drunk in charge of a vehicle'. But the move has rasied fears that the move will actually encourage motorists to drink.

The previous law could be interpretated as allowing absolutely no alcohol while driving, but the new 50 milligrams in 100 millilitres of blood level allows for the equivalent of one beer.

Officials said it was simply clearing up a grey area, where traffic police often made their own decisions and pocketed on the spot 'fines' as a supplement to their incomes.

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