Driving with a Suspended License in Armenia: What Are the Penalties?

In Armenia, the suspension of a driver's license carries significant legal consequences that every driver should be aware of. If an individual ignores the law and continues to operate a vehicle with a suspended license, they face not only administrative penalties but also potential criminal charges.

Criminal Liability Under Armenian Law

Article 344 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia clearly outlines the penalties for this offense. Driving with a suspended license is punishable by:

• A fine of up to one hundred times the minimum salary (up to AMD 750,000), or

• Community service for a term of 80 to 150 hours, or

• Short-term imprisonment for up to 1 month.

The penalties become much more severe if the driver is caught operating the vehicle under the influence (drunk driving) or refuses a sobriety test. In such cases, the consequences include:

• A fine ranging from one hundred to two hundred times the minimum salary (AMD 750,000 to AMD 1,500,000), or

• Short-term imprisonment for a term of 1 to 2 months, or

• Imprisonment for up to 2 years.

Is It Possible to Reduce the Suspension Period?

Yes, Armenian law provides an opportunity for this. After at least half of the suspension period has passed, the driver can apply to take the theoretical examination for a driver's license. Upon successfully passing the exam, the license is reinstated, and the individual can legally return to driving.

Key Takeaways

• A person's driver's license is legally considered suspended if it has been suspended in accordance with the law and the suspension period has not yet expired.

• Don't take the risk. Driving on a suspended license in Armenia can lead not only to financial hardship but also to actual jail time.

• It is strongly advised to either wait for the suspension period to end or to use the legal option to shorten it by passing the theoretical exam.

This article is for informational purposes and is based on the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Armenia.