The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan has passed a bill at its first reading that tightens penalties for serious breaches of the Highway Code, according to kun.uz.

The document provides for criminal liability for allowing a minor to drive a vehicle, if this has led to serious consequences. A new penalty is being introduced for reckless driving, taking part in illegal races and drink-driving: the temporary impoundment of the vehicle for a period of between 6 months and 1 year.

Penalties for exceeding the speed limit by more than 80 km/h are being increased, and drivers who commit serious offences repeatedly may lose their entitlement to pay fines at a reduced rate.

The authors of the initiative point out that the main aim of the amendments is not so much to impose harsher penalties as to prevent dangerous behaviour on the roads and reduce the number of accidents.