Kazakhstan's Interior Ministry rejects easing drunk-driving license revocation
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Kazakhstan's Interior Ministry will not reduce the seven-year license revocation for drunk driving, Deputy Minister Igor Lepekha said at a government briefing. He cited rising detentions—22,000 in 2023, 24,700 in 2024, 25,300 in 2025, and 17,100 in 2026 so far—as proof that current penalties are insufficient. Lepekha also reported 670 drunk-driving accidents last year that killed 56 people.
Key Facts
- Deputy Interior Minister Igor Lepekha announced at a government briefing that the ministry will not propose reducing the license revocation period for drunk driving.
- Police stopped 22,000 drunk drivers in 2023, 24,700 in 2024, and 25,300 in 2025, according to Lepekha.
- In the first nine months of 2026, police have already detained 17,100 drunk drivers.
- Drunk drivers caused 670 road accidents in 2025, resulting in 56 deaths.
- Majilis deputy Nikolai Arsyutin had earlier proposed revising the seven-year license revocation, calling it one of the harshest sanctions.
Ministry Position
Deputy Interior Minister Igor Lepekha stated at a government briefing that the ministry sees no grounds to revise the current punishment for drunk driving. He said the ministry would consider easing penalties only if the number of drunk drivers showed a sustained decline. Lepekha emphasized that the ministry's position remains unchanged and it will not raise the issue of reducing the license revocation period.
Rising Violation Statistics
Police stopped 22,000 drunk drivers in 2023, 24,700 in 2024, and 25,300 in 2025, according to Lepekha. In the first nine months of 2026, police have already detained 17,100 drunk drivers. Lepekha noted that the current harsh measure does not stop people from driving drunk, and easing it would likely increase the numbers.
Fatal Accidents
Drunk drivers caused 670 road accidents in 2025, resulting in 56 deaths, Lepekha reported. He asked how relatives of those killed by drunk drivers would view an amnesty or reduced punishment. Majilis deputy Nikolai Arsyutin had earlier proposed revising the seven-year license revocation, calling it one of the harshest sanctions.