Driving licence suspension in Georgia: 6 months, 1, 3 years
For many people, losing their licence means losing their job. We check whether the test was done lawfully and the record properly drawn up, and appeal the decision within the 10-day deadline.
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Under Article 116 of the Code of Administrative Offences, drink-driving at 0.3–0.7‰ leads to a 6-month suspension, and over 0.7‰ or refusing the test to a 1-year suspension. If it also causes minor damage to a vehicle, property or health — a GEL 2,000 fine and a 3-year suspension.
A licence is also suspended for unpaid fines: a traffic fine must be paid within 30 days, then you have 30 more days with a surcharge; if it is still unpaid, the licence is suspended for the term set by the relevant article.
When the licence is suspended
- 0.3–0.7‰ — 6 months
- Over 0.7‰ or refusing an alcohol test — 1 year
- Refusing a drug test — GEL 1,000 and 1 year (taxi, bus or truck drivers — GEL 2,000 and 2 years)
- Drink-driving with minor damage — GEL 2,000 and 3 years
- Drink-driving while suspended — GEL 2,000, 5–15 days of administrative detention and the suspension extended by 1 year
- Unpaid traffic fine — suspension under the relevant article
When the suspension ends, the licence is restored — for a suspension on this basis no new exam is required.
Our services
- Lawfulness of the alcohol or drug test
- Checking the record and video
- Appeal within 10 days
- Unpaid fines and suspension
- Defence if it becomes a criminal case (Article 276)
- Advice on getting the licence back
Questions & answers
How long will I lose my licence for drink-driving?
At 0.3–0.7‰ — 6 months; over 0.7‰ or refusing the test — 1 year. With minor damage — 3 years and a GEL 2,000 fine.
Will my licence be suspended for an unpaid fine?
Yes. If a traffic fine isn't paid within 30 days, and then within another 30 days with a surcharge, the licence is suspended.
Can I appeal?
Yes. The decision can be appealed within 10 days of receiving it. A lawyer checks the test procedure, the record and the video.
Do I need to retake the exam afterwards?
After a suspension for an unpaid fine, the licence is restored when the term ends and no exam is required. In other cases the rule needs to be checked.
Legal basis
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
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