The court was reminded of the responsibility for drunk driving.

January 2, Grodno. In 2025 , 35 people were convicted of driving while intoxicated for a second time in the Grodno Region (Article 317-1 of the Criminal Code), a 34.6% increase compared to 2024 , Grodno Regional Court Judge Igor Sobolev told a BELTA correspondent.

"Under Article 317-1 of the Criminal Code (for driving while intoxicated for a second time), 26 people were convicted in 2024, compared to 35 in 2025. The increase in the number of cases reviewed by the regional courts is 34.6%," Sobolev stated.

He cited several practical examples. "For example, a resident of Grodno, previously convicted of driving under the influence and deprived of his license, was driving his wife's car while intoxicated on the evening of November 11, 2024. He was detained by traffic police and pleaded guilty. The Oktyabrsky District Court of Grodno sentenced the man to two years' imprisonment in a maximum-security penal colony and a seven-year ban on operating any type of vehicle. The Grodno resident was also ordered to undergo compulsory treatment for chronic alcoholism," the judge explained.

In September 2025, a resident of the Oshmyany District, who had been fined 200 basic units and deprived of the right to operate any type of vehicle for 60 months for driving under the influence in July, committed the same offense. "Within a year of the administrative penalty for the same violation, the defendant operated his motorcycle while intoxicated. He was detained by a traffic police officer. The defendant pleaded guilty in full. The district court sentenced him to one year and six months of correctional labor, with a 15% tax deduction for the state, and a seven-year ban on driving. The vehicle he was driving was subject to a special confiscation order," said Igor Sobolev.

A regional court judge noted that drunk driving entails administrative liability, while repeat offenses entail criminal liability. "The Code of Administrative Offenses provides for a substantial fine or administrative arrest with the loss of driving privileges for driving while intoxicated. However, there are drivers for whom an administrative penalty is insufficient. For various reasons, they repeatedly drive drunk. The consequences of such actions can be very serious. A repeat offense inevitably leads to criminal liability," Igor Sobolev emphasized.

Drivers who have consumed alcohol should never drive; they should use public transportation or a taxi. Witnesses to situations where an intoxicated person attempts to drive are urged to call 102.