Driving under the influence of alcohol is, as a rule, an administrative offence (Article 116 of the Code of Administrative Offences). It becomes a crime when someone is hurt, or when a person drives under the influence of drugs.
Licence suspension
- 0.3 to 0.7 per mille — 6 months
- Over 0.7 per mille — 1 year
- Refusing a test — the same as over 0.7: 1 year
When it gets more serious
- Drunk driving during a suspension — GEL 2,000, administrative detention of 5–15 days and the suspension extended by 1 year
- Drunk driving that causes minor damage to a vehicle, property or health — GEL 2,000 and a 3-year suspension
- Repeat offences or driving without a licence — fines up to GEL 3,000 and administrative detention
When it is a crime
- Driving under the influence of drugs is a criminal offence (Article 276)
- A drunk driver causes less serious harm to someone's health — 2 to 5 years
- Serious harm — 4 to 6 years
- A death — 6 to 9 years
Much in these cases depends on how the test was done. A lawyer checks whether the test and the record were correct. Fines and suspensions can be appealed.
Legal basis
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.