Traffic authorities plan to draw up a new law that will require insurance and licenses for the currently unregulated business of driving intoxicated clients' cars home after social functions, government officials announced Thursday.
The National Police Agency and the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry are compiling a bill that would govern the services such companies provide, the officials said.
Currently, two drivers travel together in one car to the bar where a client is drinking. One drives the client's car home, the other follows and then drops the other driver back at his car.
This practice is becoming more common, particularly in smaller cities that do not have comprehensive bus and train systems. However, problems have arisen since cars and drivers are not properly insured, fares are being charged without guidelines and underworld groups have become involved in the business.
Authorities plan to finalize the draft version of the bill in March, and are accepting suggestions from the public at [email protected] or by fax at 03 3581 9337.
As of the end of 2000, a total of 40,000 people in 2,715 organizations, using some 16,000 vehicles, were believed to be working in the business.