Russia Abandoned The Idea To Check All Drivers For Chronic Alcoholism

2023 Author: Natalie MacDonald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 02:36

The Russian Ministry of Health has simplified the rules for passing a medical examination when obtaining a driver's license. The new document does not contain an article on mandatory testing for chronic alcoholism, as well as the use of psychoactive substances. The amendments were posted by the department on the portal of draft regulations.

• According to the new document, the doctor of the medical board will direct drivers to be tested for systematic drunkenness and drug use only if the corresponding symptoms are identified. If the tests reveal chronic alcoholism or other illness incompatible with driving, the license will be denied.
• Information about the introduction of a new compulsory test for driving medical commissions appeared in October 2019, and it was supposed to enter into force on November 22. This led to the formation of huge queues at medical facilities throughout the country. With the new rules, the cost of the certificate should have increased several times. The innovations were sharply criticized by the President of Russia, and a day before the entry into force of the new norm, the Ministry of Health postponed it to July 1, 2020, and now completely removed it.

Earlier, due to restrictive measures related to the coronavirus pandemic, the Russian authorities extended the validity of driver's licenses, which would expire after February 1. Old documents are considered valid until July 15, 2020. If necessary or at the request of the driver, the driver's license will be replaced as usual.