The Legal Affairs Committee reviewed and approved in the first reading, the draft law on the Administrative Offences Code submitted by the Government as a legislative initiative.

The legislative amendments introduce sanctions for violations committed by transport vehicles operating in the inland waters of Georgia, as well as for damaging navigation markers located in the country’s internal maritime waters, territorial sea, and on land.

According to the draft law, operating a transport vehicle without registration in the State Register of Inland Water Transport, without indicating the vehicle’s name and registration number, or with suspended registration, will result in a fine of 500 GEL for individuals and 1,000 GEL for legal entities.

The amendments also stipulate that violations of navigation rules in inland waters will result in fines of 500 GEL for individuals and 1,000 GEL for legal entities.

According to the reporter, Deputy Economy and Sustainable Development Minister, Tamar Ioseliani, sanctions will also apply in cases where a recognized organization authorized to conduct technical inspections of inland water transport vehicles commits unlawful actions that cause or could potentially cause damage to a transport vehicle, property, the environment, or cargo. Sanctions will also apply for violations of fire safety regulations on transport vehicles operating in inland waters.

She also noted that the draft law introduces fines for damaging navigation signs located in Georgia’s internal maritime waters, territorial sea, and on land.

According to Tamar Ioseliani, after the draft law was initiated, an additional provision was included that introduces sanctions related to the prohibition of certain types of fishing in maritime ports.