Turkmenistan to Fine Parents if Children Under 16 Consume Tobacco Products
Starting May 1, 2026, amendments to Article 358 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, concerning the responsibility of parents or legal guardians for the proper upbringing and education of children, will come into force in Turkmenistan.
The law was signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on April 11, 2026. The most significant update is the addition of the sixth part to the article, which for the first time introduces direct administrative liability for parents if their children violate the prohibition on tobacco use.
Key Amendments:
- Tobacco Consumption: If a minor under the age of 16 violates Turkmenistan’s anti-tobacco legislation, the parents or legal guardians will be required to pay a fine ranging from one to two calculation units.
- Drug Substance Use (Part 2): In cases where a minor under 16 uses narcotic substances without a doctor's prescription, the option for a "warning" has been removed. This offense will now result in a mandatory fine of one calculation unit.
- Minor Offenses (Part 3): For minor offenses committed by teenagers aged 14 to 16, the fine for parents is also set at one calculation unit.
- Traffic Violations (Part 4): The fine for underage pedestrians violating traffic rules has been increased from 0.4 to a range of 0.5 to one calculation unit.
These legislative changes reflect the government's commitment to enhancing the role of the family in raising a healthy generation. By removing the "warning" option for several violations and replacing it with mandatory fines, the state is signaling a zero-tolerance policy toward behaviors that jeopardize youth health. The introduction of parental liability for tobacco use is a critical step in Turkmenistan's national strategy to become a tobacco-free country.
