Russian court permanently revokes licence over stimulant addiction concerns

A court in Khabarovsk has permanently revoked a driver's licence after ruling the individual unfit to operate a vehicle. The decision came due to a diagnosed addiction to psychoactive stimulants. Despite an appeal, the ruling was upheld at every level.

The case began when the Kirovsky District Court stripped the resident of their driving privileges. Officials cited concerns over public safety, as the driver was under psychiatric supervision for 'psychoactive stimulant dependence syndrome'. This condition was deemed incompatible with safe driving.

The driver challenged the decision, but both the appellate and cassation courts rejected the appeal. The final ruling confirmed the original verdict, leaving no further legal options. This incident follows another recent case in Khabarovsk, where a different resident tried to obtain a licence using forged medical documents. Over the past two years (2024–2025), regional courts have disqualified around 1,247 people from driving due to mental or physical health concerns.

The driver's licence remains permanently revoked, with no possibility of reinstatement. Authorities have emphasised the importance of medical fitness for road safety. The case adds to a growing number of similar rulings in the Khabarovsk region.