Moscow, Sep 25 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Kremlin supports the idea of tightening criminal liability for impaired driving, according to presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
On Monday, the ruling United Russia party said it would propose amendments to the law allowing harsher penalties for driving under the influence, including steeper fines, vehicle confiscation, lifetime driving bans and a custodial sentence for repeat offenders.
Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has also endorsed the initiative.
"We have had a series of gruesome traffic accidents recently; sadly, the absolute majority were committed by drivers who were highly intoxicated," he said.
"We should consider introducing tougher criminal responsibility for these offences."
Russia's current criminal code only envisions a custodial sentence if there has been a fatality. Presently, the fine is a "paltry" 5,000 rubles (about $160) and 15-day administrative arrest.