While the country is renowned for its vodka production, Russia is also known for having one of the world's highest rates of alcohol-related accidents and deaths.

Last year more than 2,000 people were killed, and around 18,000 people injured in accidents attributed to drunk-driving in Russia, according to the Russian news agency Itar-Tass.

Currently, Russian law allows a driver to have an alcohol content of .3 grams per liter of a drivers' blood. You don't need to go to Google or your iPhone looking for an easy conversion on this one—it's basically a BAC of .03, which is lower than most developed countries (US and Canada allow .08 and the European Union allows only .05).

The Lower House of the Russian parliament approved this bill (449 out of 450 deputies voted for it), and it is expected to become law in the near future.

Since things like cough syrup or or alcohol used in cooking can have a (very minute) effect on BAC, it will be interesting to see how a zero-tolerance policy pans out for Russia. Like much of Europe, the legal drinking age is 18.

Given its history and very high accident rate, however, the Russian government considers Driving While Intoxicated to be a very serious charge. While there are ways around it, many foreign governments will refuse to grant a travel visa to someone who acknowledges having a DUI on their record.

Penalties for Russian nationals receiving DUIs in their home country are also very stiff. For a first-time offender, a license can be suspended for up to two years. In addition, knowingly allowing an intoxicated person to drive can get your license suspended. Refusing a field or chemical sobriety test can result in a fifteen day imprisonment.

Of course, there are ways to avoid arrest. Currently, there are fines a Russian citizen can pay to avoid arrest for DUI. There are also exceptions for the disabled, members of the armed forces, expectant mothers (!) or mothers with children younger than fourteen.

Tourists to Russia, however, should be very careful as the same laws may not apply to them.

While Russia's laws may seem rather harsh (or lax, if you are looking at the possible loopholes) many countries take drunk driving charges very seriously. In the United States, penalties and charges vary by state. However, they are all taken very seriously. If you have been charged with a DWI or DUI in the United States, your best bet is to contact an experienced attorney.