Khabarovsk Court Permanently Revokes Driver's Licence Over Stimulant Addiction

A court in Khabarovsk has permanently revoked a local resident's driver's licence due to a diagnosed addiction to psychoactive stimulants. The ruling follows concerns over road safety and marks a rare case in the region. Earlier attempts to challenge the decision have failed at higher courts.

The Kirovsky District Court first stripped the driver of their licence after medical reports confirmed a dependency on psychoactive substances. Psychiatric records showed the individual was under supervision for 'psychoactive stimulant dependence syndrome'. Officials argued that allowing them to drive posed a clear risk to public safety.

The driver appealed the ruling, but both the appellate and cassation courts upheld the original decision. This case stands out because no other licences in the Khabarovsk Region have been revoked for the same reason in the past two years.

Separately, another resident in Khabarovsk had previously tried to obtain a licence using forged documents. That incident, however, was unrelated to medical or addiction concerns.

The final court rulings mean the driver will no longer be permitted to operate a vehicle. Authorities have emphasised that such measures are taken only when medical evidence proves a direct threat to road safety. The case sets a precedent for handling similar situations in the region.