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Russian man faces forced labour and driving ban for refusing drunk-driving test

His refusal to take a sobriety test sealed his fate. Now, he'll spend a year in labour and lose his licence—plus pay the price for his dismantled car.

The image shows a sign on the side of a road that reads "Drinking Alcohol is Prohibited" and "No...
The image shows a sign on the side of a road that reads "Drinking Alcohol is Prohibited" and "No Smoking". In the background, there are trees and grass on the ground.

Russian man faces forced labour and driving ban for refusing drunk-driving test

A 41-year-old man from Palevitsy has been convicted of drink-driving after a series of traffic violations. The court handed down a strict sentence, including a year of compulsory labour and a three-year driving ban. The ruling follows his refusal to undergo a medical examination for intoxication.

The incident took place on December 24, 2025, when the man was stopped while driving a Lada-2105 without licence plates. Traffic officers noted his erratic behaviour and lack of a valid driver’s licence. A roadside breath test came back negative, but he refused further medical checks.

Under Russian law, refusing a biological sample counts as an admission of intoxication. The court also found that he had been previously penalised for drink-driving offences. After his arrest, the man dismantled the vehicle, leaving it unusable. The judge ordered the confiscation of funds matching the car’s market value. Additionally, 5% of his future earnings will go to the state as part of the punishment. The verdict, however, has not yet taken legal effect.

The sentence includes one year of forced labour, a three-year driving disqualification, and financial penalties. The case highlights the legal consequences of refusing intoxication tests in Russia. The decision remains subject to appeal before it is finalised.

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