Armenia’s National Assembly has passed the first reading of amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses, increasing the number of penalty points for drivers from 9 to 13.

The initiative received 64 votes in favor, while 21 MPs abstained.

Under the new regulations, penalty points for certain traffic violations will increase. For example, failure to wear a seatbelt will now result in 1.5 points instead of 1, and using a mobile phone while driving will also carry 1.5 points instead of 1.

If a driver accumulates too many points, they are reduced accordingly. If all points are lost, the driver’s license will be suspended.