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Lawmakers Propose Fines for Drunk Cycling

Lawmakers are proposing introducing fines for riding on bicycles or mopeds while drunk, and the fines could stretch to 5,000 rubles.

The new fines, which equate to a maximum of $160, are envisaged as part of legislation aimed at hiking fines for drunk driving, RIA-Novosti reported, citing a document on the State Duma website.

Drunk-driving fines could reach 50,000 rubles and come with a three-year license suspension as part of the same legislation.

Harsher penalties are planned if a drunk driver causes casualties or fatalities.

The debate on toughening drunk-driving legislation comes after a  spate of  road accidents involving drunk drivers, several of which have lead to multiple fatalities and been covered extensively in national media.

In another measure aimed at clamping down on Russia's drunk drivers, lawmakers are set to debate the idea of "alcolocks," devices that could be installed on cars owned by repeat offenders.

Mikhail Serdyuk, a State Duma deputy with the Just Russia party, told Business FM that the device would work by breathalyzing drivers before they turn on the engine.

"Should the driver's blood alcohol content exceed the allowed amount, the car will simply not start," he said.

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