DUSHANBE, February 1, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- Deputies of the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) have endorsed amendments to the country’s administrative code providing for tightening punishment for drunk driving (drunk driving is the act of operating and/or driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol).

A regular sitting of the third session of the Majlsi Namoyandagon of the fourth convocation, presided over by its head, Shukurjon Zuhurov, was held on February 1.

Presenting the bill requiring amendments to the administrative code, Deputy Minister of Interiors, Said Jourakhonov, said the amendments provided for punishing drunk driving by a two-year driving ban. 

“Under the current administrative code, those who drive a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol have to pay a fee of 350 to 700 somoni or a one-year driving ban is imposed upon them,” Jourakhonov noted.

The Majlisi Namoyandagon deputies unanimously voted for the amendments to the administrative code.

According to the statistical data from the Ministry of Interior, some 16,000 traffic accidents have occurred in Tajikistan over the past decade and some 4,500 people have been killed in those accidents.