Astana Prosecutors to Arrest Reckless Drivers for "Minor Hooliganism"

The Astana City Prosecutor's Office has announced a significant tightening of penalties for drivers who deliberately and repeatedly violate traffic rules. Individuals who flagrantly disregard the law will no longer face only fines; they will now be subject to administrative arrest.

According to the supervisory authority, a driver's actions will be classified as "Minor Hooliganism" (Article 434 of the Administrative Code) under the following circumstances:

• Systematic and demonstrative violations of traffic regulations (e.g., exceeding the speed limit dozens of times within a single year).

• Dangerous maneuvering on the road that intentionally endangers other drivers and pedestrians.

• Publicly showcasing illegal actions by filming violations and posting them on social media, demonstrating a clear disregard for public order.

For such offenses, drivers can now be sentenced to up to 15 days of administrative arrest. The Prosecutor's Office stated that this measure is designed to curb aggressive driving styles and ensure the inevitability of punishment. Notably, the driver of a Porsche who committed 59 traffic violations since the beginning of the year was among the first to be arrested under this intensified legal approach.

Astana Prosecutor Gabit Mukanov emphasized that these isolation measures are intended to reduce the number of road accidents and foster a culture of mutual respect on the city's streets.