Poland may impose mandatory prison sentences for drunk drivers

Poland's Justice Ministry is currently working on a bill that would significantly toughen penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol and for repeat traffic violations. According to the Polish daily Rzeczpospolita, one of the key elements of the new regulation would be a mandatory prison sentence for drivers who are caught behind the wheel while intoxicated despite a previous court-imposed driving ban.

This would mean that in such cases, courts would no longer have the option to impose a milder penalty, such as a fine, community service, or a suspended prison sentence. Instead, offenders would face actual imprisonment. In addition, the ministry plans to impose stricter penalties for other repeat violations, with the aim of reducing the number of drivers who systematically ignore road traffic rules.

The full text of the draft bill has not yet been made public, and it is unclear when it will reach the government or parliament. However, the available information indicates that Polish authorities are determined to take a tougher stance against drunk driving and related offences.