site.btaAutomated Systems to Shorten Timeframe for Drivers' Alcohol and Drug Test Results Release

Automated systems will be involved in the preparation of drivers' alcohol and drug tests so that the results can be released within a week, the press service of the Council of Ministers said Tuesday. Funds have already been allocated for this purpose, and the issue was discussed at an inter-ministerial meeting on road safety held Tuesday with Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov.

The plan is to equip three laboratories in the country with modern equipment by March 2024. Denkov was assured that the procedures for this purpose would be moved forward as quickly as possible.

Denkov tasked the State Agency for Road Safety to study the European practice of distinguishing drug use from taking certain medicinal drugs that can give positive test results for banned substances. The issue will be discussed at expert level with toxicologists, pharmacists and other specialists. 

A highlight of Tuesday's discussion was the Action Plan 2024-2026, which is being prepared under the Road Traffic Act and is in implementation under the National Strategy for Road Safety. According to Regional Development and Public Works Minister Andrey Tsekov, a key measure in the document is the digitisation of data on the state of road infrastructure and so-called road accessories - road signs, markings, etc. 

Revisions to the Penal Code are already in force.