Senate proposes stricter laws against drunk and unlicensed driving

On March 14, the Defense and Security Committee of the Senate held a working group meeting to discuss proposed amendments and additions to Article 266 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to violations of traffic regulations and vehicle operation safety.

According to official reports, the Senate aims to enhance legal norms related to road safety through its legislative initiative.

"While offenses under Article 266 are classified as crimes of negligence, there has been a rise in cases where such violations demonstrate blatant disregard for the rights of other road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists. Many of these offenses are committed by individuals previously deprived of their driving privileges due to traffic violations or accidents, as well as by those driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances affecting cognitive abilities," the Senate statement said.

Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 600 traffic accidents were caused by intoxicated drivers. In 2024 alone, 405 accidents involved individuals who had already been stripped of their driving rights.

Senators note that such incidents have sparked public outrage, with widespread calls on social media for stricter enforcement of existing laws.

As a result, the Senate’s Defense and Security Committee, in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, has developed proposals to amend Article 266 of the Criminal Code. These amendments would impose harsher penalties on drivers who grossly violate traffic regulations, taking into account the severity of their offenses.

During the meeting, proposals submitted by the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were reviewed by the working group.

The proposed amendments aim to impose stricter penalties on offenders who commit violations while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or after having been stripped of their driving privileges. A working group consisting of representatives from the responsible ministries and agencies has been formed to draft the necessary legal framework.

Background on Article 266 of the Criminal Code

Currently, Article 266 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code stipulates that violations of traffic or vehicle operation safety regulations leading to fatalities or other serious consequences are punishable by up to ten years of imprisonment, in addition to revocation of driving rights.

Unfortunately, due to the high number of road traffic fatalities — exceeding 1,000 deaths annually in Uzbekistan — this legal provision is frequently applied.

Recently, a driver in Jizzakh who was under the influence of alcohol struck two sisters, aged 4 and 13, at a pedestrian crossing, resulting in their deaths. The driver was sentenced to 9.5 years in prison and was banned from driving for three years.

In another incident in Surkhandarya, the driver of an Isuzu truck crashed into three people who were refueling a stationary car by the roadside, causing their deaths. Instead of providing assistance, the driver fled the scene. He was later sentenced to 9.5 years in prison and lost his driving privileges for three years.