A number of 571,900 offences had been identified in 2008 after implementing the Code on Administrative Offences, a 23.2% decrease year on year. During the last four years, the number of administrative offences and punishments for them has decreased. Only 2% of the offenses have been probed by the investigation bodies, Info-prim Neo reports, quoting the National Bureau of Statistics. Administrative punishments were imposed last year for 516,500 offences. The penalty rate was 145 punishments per 1,000 persons, as against 246 punishments per 1,000 persons in 2000. Most of the violations were committed in the municipalities of Chisinau and Balti, in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia and in Cahul, Orhei, Soroca, Ungheni, Anenii-Noi, Hancesti, Ialoveni, Sangerei and Edinet districts, the Bureau says. Over 50% of the offences were administrative violations in the areas of transport, road traffic and telecommunications. The most frequent offences included violations of the traffic rules and rules of using units of transport and speeding. About 8,000 persons had been administratively punished for driving while intoxicated, while 7,600 persons were caught driving without licenses. The major violations of public order in 2008 included consumption of alcoholic drinks and appearance in public places while under the influence (78.1%) and minor hooliganism (15.3%). More than 46,000 offences were recorded in such areas as public amenities, housing sector and sanitation works. The violations concerning the tidying up of towns and other populated centers made up 90% of these offences. The fines imposed last year totaled 55,800 lei, down 7% from 2007. The bodies of the Ministry of the Interior paid 48% of the fines, the district and municipal courts - 20%, the institutions of the Ministry of Finance – 13%, while the state sanitary epidemiological supervision bodies – 4%.