Editing Diplomatic immunity (section)

===Vehicular offences===

====Parking violations====

A particular problem is the difficulty in enforcing ordinary laws, such as prohibitions on [[double parking]]. For example, the [[Autobahn 555]] in [[Cologne]], Germany was nicknamed the "Diplomatenrennbahn" (Diplomat's Raceway), when [[Bonn]] was the capital of [[West Germany]], because of the numerous diplomats that used to speed through the highway under diplomatic immunity. Certain cities, for example [[The Hague]] and New York City have taken to impounding such cars rather than fining their owners. Diplomats' status does not guarantee the release of impounded cars.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neil |date=2021-12-01 |title=Privilege |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2021/12/01/414588/privilege/ |access-date=2022-06-19 |website=BusinessWorld Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2016-11-21 |title=Canberra Times letters to the editor: Welcome response to diplomatic privilege being abused on roads |url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6039738/canberra-times-letters-to-the-editor-welcome-response-to-diplomatic-privilege-being-abused-on-roads/ |access-date=2022-06-19 |website=The Canberra Times |language=en-AU}}</ref> Diplomats' cars may not be searched or entered in the US.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2018-DipConImm_v5_Web.pdf|title=Diplomatic and Consular Immunity: Guidance for Law Enforcement and Judicial Authorities|access-date=11 April 2020}}</ref>

Diplomatic missions have their own regulations, but many require their staff to pay any fines due for parking violations. A 2006 economic study found that there was a significant correlation between home-country [[Political corruption|corruption]] (as measured by [[Transparency International]]) and unpaid parking fines: six countries had in excess of 100 violations per diplomat: [[Kuwait]], [[Egypt]], [[Chad]], [[Sudan]], [[Bulgaria]] and [[Mozambique]].<ref>{{Cite report | first1 =Ray | last1 =Fisman | first2 =Edward | last2 =Miguel | title =Cultures of Corruption: Evidence from Diplomatic Parking tickets | url =http://www.usc.edu/schools/business/FBE/seminars/papers/AE_4-28-06_FISMAN-parking.pdf | date =28 April 2006 | publisher =USC FBE Applied Economics Workshop | url-status =dead | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160217001131/http://www.usc.edu/schools/business/FBE/seminars/papers/AE_4-28-06_FISMAN-parking.pdf | archive-date =17 February 2016 | df =dmy-all }}</ref> In particular, [[New York City]], which hosts the [[United Nations]] Headquarters, regularly protests to the [[United States Department of State]] about nonpayment of parking tickets because of diplomatic status. In 2001, the city had more than 200,000 outstanding parking tickets from diplomats, totaling more than $21.3 million, of which only $160,682 had been collected;<ref name="JOHN J. GOLDMAN">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jul-03-mn-18122-story.html|title=NYC's Diplomatic Take on Tickets|date=3 July 2001|author=JOHN J. GOLDMAN|newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> a decade later, the total cost of unpaid parking tickets was over $17 million.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-09-24 |title=Diplomats owe $17 mln in New York parking fines |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-un-fines-newyork-idUSLNE78N00D20110924 |access-date=2022-10-14}}</ref> In 1997, then-mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]] proposed to the [[Clinton administration]] that the U.S. State Department revoke the special DPL plates for diplomats who ignore parking summonses; the State Department denied Giuliani's request.<ref name="JOHN J. GOLDMAN"/>

In cities that impose a [[Congestion pricing|congestion charge]], the decision of some diplomatic missions not to furnish payment has proved controversial. In London, embassies have amassed approximately £58 million in unpaid charges as of 2012, with the American embassy comprising approximately £6 million and the Russian, German and Japanese missions around £2 million each.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18725937 | location=London | work=BBC News | title=Diplomats 'owe £58m in London congestion charges' | date=5 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.london.gov.uk/media/press_releases_mayoral/new-york-times-urges-us-embassy-pay-congestion-charge |title=New York Times urges US Embassy to pay congestion charge &#124; Greater London Authority |publisher=London.gov.uk |date=31 March 2006 |access-date=19 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502021241/http://www.london.gov.uk/media/press_releases_mayoral/new-york-times-urges-us-embassy-pay-congestion-charge |archive-date= 2 May 2012 }}</ref>

====Vehicular assault and drunk driving====

=====Georgian driver in the United States=====

In January 1997, [[Gueorgui Makharadze]], a high-ranking [[Georgia (country)|Georgian]] diplomat, caused a five-car [[pileup]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], in the United States, which killed a 16-year-old girl. Makharadze's claim of diplomatic immunity created a national outrage in the United States, particularly given Makharadze's previous record of driving offenses: In April 1996, Makharadze had been charged with speeding in Virginia, and four months later, he was detained by District of Columbia police on suspicion of drunk driving.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/09/us/georgian-diplomat-pleads-guilty-in-death-of-teen-age-girl.html|title=Georgian Diplomat Pleads Guilty in Death of Teenage Girl|author=MICHAEL JANOFSKY|date=9 October 1997|newspaper=New York Times}}</ref> In both prior cases, charges were dismissed based on his immunity. On the basis of the media coverage, Georgia revoked Makharadze's immunity, and he was ultimately sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter and four counts of aggravated assault.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-20-mn-531-story.html|title=Ex-Diplomat Gets 7 Years for Death of Teen in Crash|agency=Associated Press|date=20 December 1997|newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>

=====American driver in Russia=====

On 27 October 1998, in [[Vladivostok]], [[Russia]], Douglas Kent, the American [[Consul (representative)#Consul general|Consul General]] to Russia, was involved in a car accident that left a young man, Alexander Kashin, disabled. Kent was not prosecuted in a US court. Under the [[Vienna Convention on Consular Relations|Vienna Convention]], diplomatic immunity does not apply to civil actions relating to vehicular accidents, but in 2006, the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit]] ruled that, since he was using his vehicle for consular purposes, Kent could not be sued civilly.<ref>{{cite news|title=Immunity shelters former US Consul from Russian invalid |url=http://vn.vladnews.ru/issue531/Crime_watch/Immunity_shelters_former_US_Consul_from_Russian_invalid |publisher=Vladivostok News |date=17 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505012445/http://vn.vladnews.ru/issue531/Crime_watch/Immunity_shelters_former_US_Consul_from_Russian_invalid |archive-date=5 May 2008  }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Russia student in diplomatic controversy |url=http://media.www.dailylobo.com/media/storage/paper344/news/2002/09/16/News/Russia.Student.In.Diplomatic.Controversy-274101.shtml |publisher=New Mexico daily Lobo, From AP |date=16 September 2002 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608195621/http://media.www.dailylobo.com/media/storage/paper344/news/2002/09/16/News/Russia.Student.In.Diplomatic.Controversy-274101.shtml |archive-date=8 June 2008  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FindLaw's United States Ninth Circuit case and opinions. |url=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-9th-circuit/1348684.html |access-date=2022-08-07 |website=Findlaw |language=en-US}}</ref>

=====Russian driver in Canada=====

In 2001, a Russian diplomat, Andrei Knyazev, hit and killed a woman while driving drunk in Ottawa. Knyazev refused to take a breathalyzer at the scene of the crash, citing diplomatic immunity.<ref name="CBC News">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/former-russian-diplomat-guilty-of-involuntary-manslaughter-1.313443|title=Former Russian diplomat guilty of involuntary manslaughter|date=19 March 2002|publisher=CBC News}}</ref> Russia refused Canadian requests to waive his immunity, and Knyazev was expelled from Canada. Though the Russian Foreign Ministry fired him and charged him with involuntary manslaughter, and Russian and Canadian authorities cooperated in the investigation,<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2002 |title=Former Russian diplomat guilty of involuntary manslaughter |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/former-russian-diplomat-guilty-of-involuntary-manslaughter-1.313443 |website=CBC}}</ref> the case caused a political storm in Canada. Many accused the Foreign Ministry of incompetence after it emerged that Knyazev had twice been previously investigated for drunk driving. The Canadian Foreign Minister had fought unsuccessfully to have Knyazev tried in Ottawa.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-feb-17-mn-26623-story.html|title=Russia Says Diplomat Will Be Tried in Drunk-Driving Case|date=17 February 2001|newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> In 2002, Knyazev was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in Russia.<ref name="CBC News"/>

=====American driver in Romania=====

On 3 December 2004, in [[Bucharest]], [[Romania]], Christopher Van Goethem, an American [[United States Marine Corps|Marine]] serving his embassy, ran a red traffic signal, collided with a taxi, and killed popular Romanian musician [[Teo Peter]].<ref>{{cite news | title = People in the News, May 2005 | url = http://www.vivid.ro/vivid72/pages72/people_in_the_news72.htm | publisher = Vivid – Romania through international eyes | access-date = 5 February 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160305045149/http://www.vivid.ro/vivid72/pages72/people_in_the_news72.htm | archive-date = 5 March 2016 | url-status = dead}}</ref> The Romanian government requested the American government to lift his immunity, which it refused to do. In a [[court-martial]], he was acquitted of [[manslaughter]] and [[adultery]] but was convicted of [[obstruction of justice]] and [[making false statements]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://useu.usmission.gov/Article.asp?ID=5077D987-925A-4039-BA70-98E67450E7C6 |title=USEU: U.S. Military Law Expert Explains Verdict in Romanian Death |access-date=8 January 2009 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108081030/http://useu.usmission.gov/Article.asp?ID=5077D987-925A-4039-BA70-98E67450E7C6 |archive-date=8 January 2009  }}</ref>

=====Canadian driver in Tanzania=====

On 9 December 2009, in [[Tanzania]], Canadian [[Envoy (title)|Junior Envoy]] Jean Touchette was arrested after it was reported that he spat at a traffic police officer on duty in the middle of a [[traffic jam]] in the Banana district on the outskirts of [[Dar es Salaam]]. Canada's [[High Commissioner]], Robert Orr, was summoned by the Tanzanian [[Foreign Minister|Foreign Ministry]] over the incident, and the junior envoy was later recalled.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8411431.stm | work=[[BBC News]] | title=Canada recalls spitting diplomat | date=14 December 2009 | access-date=1 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Africa&set_id=1&click_id=68&art_id=nw20091214222225370C993592 |title=Tanzania irked by spitting envoy|date= 15 December 2009|website =IOL}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/tanzania-tanzanie/highlights-faits/PressReleaseDec13-09.aspx?lang=en|title=The Canadian High Commission Regrets The Incident Involving One of Its Officials|date=13 December 2011|website=canadainternational.gc.ca|access-date=27 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115421/http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/tanzania-tanzanie/highlights-faits/PressReleaseDec13-09.aspx?lang=en|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=====Romanian driver in Singapore=====

On 15 December 2009, in Singapore, the [[Romania]]n [[chargé d'affaires]], [[Silviu Ionescu]], was allegedly behind a [[2009 Singapore Romanian diplomat incident|drunk-driving hit-and-run accident]] that killed a 30-year-old man and seriously injured two others. He left Singapore for Romania three days after the accident.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1042671/1/.html|title=Former Romanian diplomat "could be criminally involved"|last=Leong|first=Wee Keat|date=10 March 2010|work=[[Channel NewsAsia]]|access-date=10 March 2010|archive-date=11 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100311231615/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1042671/1/.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_498208.html|title=I was sent 'flying' : Traffic video shows car swerving and hitting him; teen landed 10m away |date=5 March 2010|work=The Straits Times|access-date=10 March 2010|author=Teh Joo Lin & Elena Chong}}</ref> The Romanian foreign ministry suspended Ionescu from his post.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_494014.html|title=Romanian Embassy responds to MFA |date=23 February 2010|work=The Straits Times|access-date=10 March 2010}}</ref> A coroner's inquiry in Singapore, which included testimony by the Romanian embassy driver, concluded that Ionescu was solely responsible for the accident.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_509148.html|title=Coroner blames envoy |author=Elena Chong & Teh Joo Lin |date=1 April 2010|newspaper=The Straits Times|access-date=1 April 2010}}</ref> An [[Interpol notice|Interpol Red Notice]] was subsequently issued for his arrest and possible extradition<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interpol.int/public/data/wanted/notices/data/2010/56/2010_15456.asp |title=Ionescu, Silviu |access-date=9 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100412140457/http://www.interpol.int/public/data/wanted/notices/data/2010/56/2010_15456.asp |archive-date=12 April 2010 }}</ref> notwithstanding the fact that Romania had not waived his diplomatic immunity and had commenced criminal proceedings against him in Romania.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mediafax.ro/english/romania-keeps-singapore-updated-on-steps-taken-in-criminal-case-of-fmr-envoy-ionescu-fm-5849023/|title=Romania Keeps Singapore Updated on Steps Taken in Criminal Case of Fmr Envoy Ionescu – FM|publisher=Mediafax|access-date=10 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412225520/http://www.mediafax.ro/english/romania-keeps-singapore-updated-on-steps-taken-in-criminal-case-of-fmr-envoy-ionescu-fm-5849023|archive-date=12 April 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Singapore government argued that by reason of Article 39(2) of the Vienna Convention, Ionescu was no longer protected by diplomatic immunity.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20100415-210575.html|title=Ex-envoy not protected by immunity|date=15 April 2010|work=Asiaone|access-date=16 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100419141009/http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20100415-210575.html|archive-date=19 April 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.singaporelawwatch.sg/remweb/legal/ln2/rss/legalnews/67143.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120144339/https://www.singaporelawwatch.sg/remweb/legal/ln2/rss/legalnews/67143.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 January 2019|title=No diplomatic immunity for Ionescu: MFA|date=16 April 2010|work=Singapore Law Watch|access-date=16 April 2010}}</ref> Ionescu was eventually sentenced to six years in jail.

=====American driver in Pakistan=====

In January 2011 in [[Lahore]], [[Pakistan]], American embassy employee [[Raymond Allen Davis incident|Raymond Allen Davis]] shot and killed two Pakistani civilians, while a third man was struck and killed by a US consulate car responding to the shooting. According to Davis, they were about to rob him and he acted in self-defense. When detained by police, Davis claimed to be a consultant at the US consulate in Lahore. He was formally arrested and remanded into custody. Further investigations revealed that he was working with the CIA as a contractor in Pakistan. The [[US State Department]] declared him a diplomat and repeatedly requested immunity under the [[Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations]], to which Pakistan is a signatory.<ref>[http://islamabad.usembassy.gov/pr-11012901.html U.S. Embassy Calls for Release of American Diplomat – U.S. Embassy, Islamabad, Pakistan] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201133320/http://islamabad.usembassy.gov/pr-11012901.html |date=1 February 2011 }}</ref><ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/04/pakistan.us.shooting.index.html CNN]{{dead link|date=May 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} </ref> On 16 March 2011, Davis was released after the families of the two killed men were paid $2.4&nbsp;million in ''[[diyya]]'' (a form of monetary compensation or [[blood money (term)|blood money]]). Judges then acquitted him on all charges and Davis immediately departed Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hushed Deal Frees C.I.A. Contractor in Pakistan |author=Carlotta Gall |author2=Mark Mazzetti |author-link=Carlotta Gall |author2-link=Mark Mazzetti |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/17/world/asia/17pakistan.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220101/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/17/world/asia/17pakistan.html |archive-date=2022-01-01 |url-access=limited |newspaper=The New York Times |date=16 March 2011 |access-date=11 March 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=====United Nations driver in Pakistan=====

On 10 April 2011, in [[Islamabad]], Pakistan, Patrick Kibuta, an electrical engineer in the [[United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan]] caused a vehicle collision with another vehicle, while under the influence of alcohol. Kibuta, who was driving in the opposing lane, injured a [[Canadians|Canadian]] citizen residing in Islamabad, who suffered multiple fractures and required surgery. The Kohsar police impounded Kibuta's UN vehicle on the scene, and a blood test confirmed that he had an elevated blood alcohol level. Charges for reckless and drunken driving were filed against Kibuta, who enjoyed diplomatic immunity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/2011/04/13/un-official-booked-for-accident-3.html |title=UN official booked for accident &#124; Provinces |publisher=Dawn.Com |date=13 April 2011 |access-date=19 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011\story_13-4-2011_pg11_7 |title=Leading News Resource of Pakistan |work=Daily Times|date=13 April 2011 |access-date=19 December 2011 }} {{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

=====American driver in Pakistan=====

On 14 February 2013, a vehicle bearing diplomatic plates registered to the US Embassy got into an accident in [[Islamabad]], [[Pakistan]] involving two residents out of which one was killed and the other survived. Murder charges were laid under Section 320 of the [[Pakistani Penal Code]] against the driver of the vehicle who is a diplomat according to Pakistani officials.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=88111 |title=US diplomat faces murder charges for mowing down man |access-date=15 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218001535/http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=88111 |archive-date=18 February 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=====American driver in Kenya=====

In July 2013, Joshua Walde, an American diplomat in Nairobi, Kenya, crashed into a mini-bus, killing one man and seriously injuring eight others, who were left with no financial assistance to pay for hospital bills.<ref name=ABCAug13>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/us-diplomat-kills-man-car-crash-leaves-kenya-19851449|title=US Diplomat Kills Man in Car Crash, Leaves Kenya|date=2 August 2013|work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|author=Jason Straziuso|access-date=2 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130805202309/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/us-diplomat-kills-man-car-crash-leaves-kenya-19851449|archive-date=5 August 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> United States embassy officials took the diplomat and his family out of Kenya the following day.<ref name=ABCAug13/> The United States government was concerned about the impact the accident could have on bilateral relations with Kenya.<ref name=ABCAug13/> Walde gave a statement to police, but was not detained due to his diplomatic immunity.<ref name=ABCAug13/> Kenyan police say the case remains under investigation.<ref name=ABCAug13/>

=====Lebanese driver in South Korea=====

In September 2013, Jad Saeed al-Hassan, [[Lebanon|Lebanese]] Ambassador to [[South Korea]], was involved in a [[hit-and-run]] in [[Seoul]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.joins.com/article/12688767|author=joins News|date=26 September 2013|title='Hit and run' Lebanese ambassador to Korea, when the police followed him..|newspaper=JoongAng Ilbo|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-date=6 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044045/https://news.joins.com/article/12688767|url-status=dead}}</ref> Right after the accident, he drove directly into the [[Lebanon|Lebanese]] [[embassy]] compound and refused to cooperate with the local police investigation, claiming his diplomatic immunity. He stayed in his post as [[ambassador]] until his death due to another [[traffic collision]] in [[Seoul]] in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2014/05/30/2014053001559.html|author=joins News|date=30 May 2014|title=Lebanese Envoy Dies in Car Crash|publisher=JoongAng Ilbo English|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306042553/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2014/05/30/2014053001559.html|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=====Qatari driver in the United States=====

On 12 September 2015, Sheikh [[Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani]] tried to claim diplomatic immunity when his [[Ferrari LaFerrari]] and a [[Porsche 911 GT3]] were caught on camera [[drag racing]] through a residential neighborhood in [[Beverly Hills]]. He owns the cars and a drag racing team, and is a member of [[Qatar]]'s ruling family. The [[Beverly Hills Police Department]] contacted the [[US State Department]] to clarify if he had diplomatic immunity. They stated he did not. However, his face was not shown on camera, and no officer witnessed the crime, so the state of California has not yet pressed charges. He has since fled the country. The investigation is ongoing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/autos/owner-of-beverly-hills-laferrari-does-not-have-129289165617.html|title=Owner of Beverly Hills LaFerrari Does Not Have Diplomatic Immunity, Flees Country|website=Yahoo |date=September 17, 2015 |first1=Alex |last1=Lloyd |access-date=27 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/does-driver-in-beverly-hills-high-speed-race-have-diplomatic-immunity/|title=Does driver in Beverly Hills high-speed race have diplomatic immunity?|website=CBS News |first1=Julia |last1=Dahl |date=September 17, 2015  |access-date=27 March 2018}}</ref>

=====Saudi driver in Germany=====

In June 2017, in Berlin, Germany a Saudi driver killed a cyclist by opening the door of his Porsche directly into the cyclist's path without checking to see if the road was clear. Anger arose when the Saudi claimed diplomatic immunity. Police said that under normal circumstances the driver would face investigation and possible prosecution on suspicion of negligent manslaughter, but prosecutors said they had no choice but to close the case because he had diplomatic immunity.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/16/anger-berlin-saudi-driver-killed-cyclist-claims-diplomatic-immunity/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/16/anger-berlin-saudi-driver-killed-cyclist-claims-diplomatic-immunity/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-status=live|title=Anger in Berlin after Saudi driver who killed cyclist claims diplomatic immunity |date=16 June 2017|access-date=27 March 2018 |newspaper=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=====American driver in the United Kingdom=====

{{main|Death of Harry Dunn}}

On 27 August 2019, [[Anne Sacoolas]], the wife of an American government employee working in the United Kingdom, was a suspect in a traffic incident involving 19-year-old [[Death of Harry Dunn|Harry Dunn]] in [[Croughton, Northamptonshire|Croughton]], [[Northamptonshire]], [[England]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-49945461|title=Crash victim mum appeals for US suspect's return|work=BBC News|date=5 October 2019}}</ref> Dunn was riding his motorcycle when it was reported that a woman emerged from [[RAF Croughton]] driving on the wrong side of the road, resulting in a head-on collision. After [[999 (emergency telephone number)|999]] handlers wrongly categorized the call, there was a 43-minute wait for an ambulance, resulting in a two-hour delay arriving at a trauma center, where Harry Dunn later died.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/11/06/harry-dunn-left-die-ditch-999-handlers-wrongly-categorised-call-11054291/|title=Harry Dunn 'left to die in ditch' after 999 handlers 'wrongly categorised' call|date=6 November 2019}}</ref> Sacoolas was breathalyzed at the accident site. The following day, police interviewed Sacoolas at her home, learning the US claimed diplomatic immunity.{{cn|reason=malformed URL removed|date=March 2025}}

Sacoolas told police she had no immediate plans to leave the country. However, on 13 October US authorities notified the UK's [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]] of plans to send Sacoolas home, unless serious objections were raised: on 16 October, the UK's Foreign Secretary, [[Dominic Raab]], went to present objections, a day after the family was sent back.{{cn|reason=malformed URL removed|date=March 2025}}

[[Woody Johnson]], U.S. Ambassador to the UK, expressed "profound sadness" at the death of Harry Dunn and the US Embassy also offered their sympathies and condolences. U.S. President [[Donald Trump]] called it a "terrible accident" and mentioned that the woman was "driving on the wrong side of the road, and that can happen".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-49986700|title=Crash death parents 'let down' by governments|work=BBC News|date=9 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/05/us-diplomats-wife-claims-immunity-leaves-uk-afterfatal-road/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/05/us-diplomats-wife-claims-immunity-leaves-uk-afterfatal-road/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=US diplomat's wife claims immunity and leaves UK after fatal road accident|date=5 October 2019|website=The Telegraph |access-date=5 October 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The US government has not waived the diplomatic immunity afforded to Sacoolas and has stated she would not return to the UK, despite calls by the UK government to do so.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49962359|title=Boris Johnson responds to Harry Dunn diplomatic immunity row|date=7 October 2019|newspaper=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-49995867|title=Harry Dunn crash: Donald Trump notes say US suspect 'will not return to UK'|date=10 October 2019|work=BBC News}}</ref>

Sacoolas was scheduled to appear in UK court via video link charged with causing the death of Mr Dunn by dangerous driving. A hearing took place in [[Westminster Magistrates Court]] on 18 January 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/harry-dunn-anne-sacoolas-to-appear-in-uk-court-by-video-link-charged-with-causing-death-of-19-year-old-12495120|title= Harry Dunn: Anne Sacoolas due to appear in UK court by video link charged with causing death of 19-year-old|date=14 December 2021 |website=Sky News|access-date=7 January 2022}}</ref> She appeared by video-link at the [[Old Bailey]], where she pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving on 20 October 2022. She was handed an eight-month prison term, suspended for 12 months, and was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-63328171|title=Harry Dunn: Justice for family three years after crash death|date=8 December 2022|work=BBC News}}</ref>

===== American driver in Zimbabwe =====
In 2023, U.S. diplomat Eric Kimpton, while driving, struck and killed 11-year-old Lillian Mapiye in Zimbabwe. Invoking diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention, Kimpton avoided legal proceedings and returned to the United States. The incident sparked discussions between the Zimbabwean government and the U.S. Embassy, with officials emphasizing that while immunity protects diplomats, it does not absolve them of their moral responsibility to respect the laws and lives of their host country <ref>{{cite news |title=Dema Accident: No Absolute Diplomatic Immunity for US Embassy Official |url=https://www.herald.co.zw/dema-accident-no-absolute-diplomatic-immunity-for-us-embassy-official/ |publisher=The Herald Zimbabwe |date=21 August 2023 |access-date=4 January 2025}}</ref>