The Russian government is considering scrapping its zero-tolerance policy on driving under the influence.

The presidential law was adopted in 2010, and has since gained a significant number of opponents. Drivers say that under the law, they can risk losing their license for drinking just a cup of fermented milk.

“In many cases, those who suffer are the drivers who did not actually drink alcohol, or drank only a glass of wine before driving,” said Vyacheslav Lysakov, head of the Freedom of Choice motorists movement.

Deputies in Russia's legislature, however, are planning to toughen the punishment for repeated drink-driving – they believe that some drivers should be given up to a life sentence.

In Russia, a total “dry driving” law ceased to exist on July 1, 2008 when, following the example of European countries, drivers were permitted to drink no more than 0.3 per ml., which equals 0.5 liters of beer, 40 grams of vodka or a glass of white wine for a man weighing about 80 kilos.

However, in March 2009 President Medvedev proposed a reintroduction of the total ban on alcohol consumption by drivers. He pointed out that drivers would be more inclined to go dangerously over the limit if a limit exists.

Duma speaker Boris Gryzlov reported that tougher legislation concerning drunk driving resulted in a decline of such crimes: in 5 months, the number of road accidents caused by drunk drivers declined by 11%, and the number of victims by 35%. He added that there is still room for improvement.