In Azerbaijan, the risk of traffic violations and the scope of responsibility for all drivers, not just taxi operators, have increased significantly, according to a member of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly).
As reported by Operative Information Center-OMM, MP Kamal Jafarov addressed this issue during a plenary session of the Milli Majlis's extraordinary session.
Jafarov noted that the current Code of Administrative Offenses has been in effect since March 1, 2016. "At that time, there were 14 administrative offenses subject to penalty points, with a total point value of 54. In 2016, a driver would lose their driving privileges for six months upon accumulating 20 points, which represented 37% of the total possible points in the system. This ratio was proportional to the conditions of that time," the MP explained.
However, the deputy highlighted that over the past decade, numerous legal reforms regarding traffic rules and micromobility have been implemented. Consequently, the number of administrative offenses subject to penalty points has risen from 14 to 27, and the total point value in the system has increased from 54 to 91.
"The number of offenses and the total point volume have nearly doubled. This means that the risk of error and the scope of responsibility for all drivers have expanded. Yet, the limit remains the same, meaning a driver now loses their license after accumulating only 22% of the total possible points, compared to 37% in 2016," Jafarov stated.
To restore the original 37% ratio, the mathematical limit would need to be 34 points. However, aiming to maintain the deterrent effect of the law while ensuring proportionality, Jafarov proposed a more conservative adjustment: increasing the current 20-point penalty limit to 30 points. Alternatively, he suggested that passive, infrastructure-related violations that do not carry high risks should be subject only to fines, a practice common in many other countries.
The MP emphasized that these proposals require thorough investigation by relevant authorities. He clarified that there is currently no formal draft law regarding this change under consideration in the Milli Majlis, despite some media reports suggesting otherwise. He urged specialized agencies to prepare comprehensive proposals to address the need for a new approach to traffic regulation.
The penalty point system is a critical component of Azerbaijan's road safety strategy, designed to curb repeat traffic offenses and improve overall road discipline. The proposed reforms aim to balance strict enforcement with the practical realities of modern traffic conditions.
