In Which Cases Will Drivers Be Imprisoned: New Amendment

The number of road traffic offenses in Armenia has significantly increased in recent years, which is a major concern. The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia proposes to tighten the sanction of part 2 of Article 242 of the RA Criminal Code, aiming to reduce the cases of road traffic offenses.

According to ArmLur.am, changes are set to be made to the sanction of part 2 of Article 242 of the RA Criminal Code, introducing a lower threshold for imprisonment. The amendments foresee more severe penalties for actions specified in parts 1, 2, and 3 of Article 242 that involve alcohol consumption, exceeding the speed limit by twice, or being conducted by a person without the right to drive a vehicle.

For example, the same offense committed while under the influence of alcohol or while exceeding the speed limit by double, or by a person without the right to drive, would be punishable by detention for a period of one to three months, or imprisonment for a maximum of two years, with a restriction on holding specific positions or engaging in particular activities for up to three years, or without such restriction.

If the same offense, resulting in someone's death through negligence, is committed under the influence of alcohol or by exceeding the speed limit by double or by a person without the right to drive, it would be punishable by imprisonment for four to seven years, with a restriction on holding specific positions or engaging in particular activities for a maximum of three years.

An act specified in part 3 of Article 242 that negligently causes the death of two or more persons, committed while under the influence of alcohol or exceeding the speed limit by twice by a person without the right to drive, would be punishable by imprisonment for seven to ten years.