In Kazakhstan, drivers can pay traffic fines with a 50% discount within seven days. If they choose to appeal the decision, the discount deadline is suspended while the complaint is being reviewed, reports NUR.KZ.
Kazakh citizens receive traffic fines both from traffic police officers and surveillance cameras. The state offers the option to pay half the amount if done within a week. However, many fear that by attempting to appeal, they might lose this right.
According to an explanation from the Almaty Police Department, if a complaint is filed within seven days of receiving the notice, the discount payment deadline is frozen for the duration of the appeal review. If the original decision is upheld, the driver can still pay the fine with a 50% discount within seven days from the date the appeal decision takes effect. Thus, the appeal period does not deprive citizens of the discount.
However, if a driver first pays the fine with a discount and then tries to appeal, it is not possible. According to part 2 of Article 811 of the Administrative Offenses Code, paying 50% of the fine within seven days is considered an admission of guilt; the case is deemed fully adjudicated, and no review is allowed (except for cases provided for in Chapter 47 of the Code).
Therefore, Kazakh drivers who disagree with a fine are advised to file a complaint as soon as possible, within seven days, to avoid losing the discount. If the fine has already been paid with a discount, challenging it is futile.
For context, Kazakhstan is considering stripping some offenders of the right to a discount on fine payments. Previously, there were reports of unexpected fines for taxi drivers ranging from 200,000 to 300,000 tenge, and questions about whether drivers can be fined for reserving parking spots in courtyards.