The federal law is aimed at reducing the number of motor vehicle accidents involving intoxicated drivers, and at reducing the severity of their consequences.
Currently, for road accidents in which the victims suffer minor or moderate injury, Russian legislation calls for liability in the form of a fine or driving disqualification. For an accident resulting in serious consequences, causing grievous bodily harm or the death of one or more persons, the Russian Criminal Code provides for criminal liability. Yet the sanctions were the same for intoxicated drivers and for sober ones.
Changes have been made to the relevant article of the Criminal Code to take into account the state of intoxication of the perpetrator of the crime. It also provides for the strengthening of criminal liability for violations committed by those in a state of intoxication, and violations concerning traffic and vehicle operation that result in serious consequences.