Amnesty on revoked driving licences ‘humane’, ‘socially significant’ initiative, official

Member of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara from the Georgian Dream party, Tsotne Ananidze, has commented on Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s initiative concerning an amnesty for revoked driving licences.

According to Ananidze, the Prime Minister’s proposal is a “humane step” that carries “important social and economic benefits” for the population and also serves as an incentive for citizens to return to lawful behaviour.

“The Prime Minister’s initiative - the planned amnesty for revoked driving licences - is a humane act. It has economic and social effects for the population and, at the same time, provides an incentive to return to compliance with the law,” Ananidze wrote.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Issues Archil Gorduladze has clarified the scope of the initiative and explained whose driving licences will be restored starting January 1.

According to Gorduladze, from January 1, driving licences will be reinstated for individuals whose licences were revoked due to:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol

• Leaving the scene of an accident

• Acquisition or use of small quantities of narcotic substances

• Accumulation of penalty points resulting in suspension

In cases related to alcohol-related violations, licences will be restored from February 1.

Regarding drug use, Gorduladze noted that a person’s driving licence will be reinstated from the moment they present a medical conclusion confirming they are no longer a drug user.

At the same time, the initiative does not apply to individuals whose driving licences were revoked as a result of a road traffic accident that caused injury or death. In such cases, licences will not be restored.

Gorduladze explained that the draft law was prepared following consultations initiated by the Prime Minister with the parliamentary team.