“Unfortunately, we rank first in Europe in terms of road injuries and fatalities. However, we have an extremely strict policy regarding the use of alcohol and drugs while driving. Those who are granted amnesty are not fully exempt from administrative penalties,” said Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Darakhvelidze in comments to journalists, responding to issues related to the restoration of suspended driving rights.

According to him, if drivers commit the same offense a second time, they will be punished for repeat violations and will have to fully serve the penalty prescribed by law.

“Unfortunately, we rank first in Europe in terms of road injuries and fatalities, but we have an extremely strict policy regarding the consumption of alcohol and drugs while driving. The changes included in this same legislative act are a continuation of this policy. These amendments abolish all preferential mechanisms for individuals who drove under the influence of alcohol. Many people expected that, for example, after three months they would be able to apply for and restore their driving license—this mechanism will no longer exist.

In addition, those who are granted amnesty are not fully exempt from administrative penalties. Specifically, if a fine has been imposed, it will still have to be paid. They are also considered to have had a penalty imposed, and if they commit the same offense again within one year, it will be classified as a repeat offense rather than a first-time violation. In cases of repetition, stricter penalties apply.

The state has a strict approach, but on the one hand, these individuals have been given an additional chance. However, if they repeat the offense, the state’s response will be extremely strict. If they commit this act a second time, they will be punished as repeat offenders and will no longer benefit from leniency; they will have to fully serve the penalty prescribed by law,” Darakhvelidze stated.

For reference, Parliament is considering, under an expedited procedure, an initiative by deputies of Georgian Dream concerning the early restoration of driving rights and issues related to the suspension of driving licenses. The draft law, which Parliament is expected to adopt today on its second and third readings, stipulates that a driving license will be returned to individuals who committed the relevant offense before December 16, 2025. Previously, this cutoff date had been set as December 10. Accordingly, driving licenses will be returned to those whose licenses were revoked up to and including yesterday. Confiscated driving licenses will be returned in stages starting from January 1, 2026.