Internal Affairs Department documents reduction in road rule infractions
In a recent statement, Petr Shkumatov, head of the "Automobilists' Rights Protection" working group of the "Popular Front", highlighted the observed decrease in traffic violations across Russia. Shkumatov attributed this decrease to the recent increase in fines for various traffic violations, reduction in the discount for paying fines promptly, and the disabling of some road cameras.
According to data from Russian authorities, the number of traffic violations detected in the first half of 2025 decreased to 106.2 million cases compared to 114.8 million in the same period last year. The most significant reductions were seen in the Tambov region (-65.7%), Samara region (-59.6%), and Nizhny Novgorod region (-49.6%). No new regions with an increase in traffic violations were mentioned in the report.
However, the UrbanTech group, an operator of systems for fixing violations in several regions, expressed concern that drivers may start violating rules again as they get used to the new fines. Over time, they suggest that drivers may adapt to the high fines.
For an objective assessment of the trend, it is important to analyze the data for the full year, according to the UrbanTech group. They emphasise that while the initial decrease in traffic violations is encouraging, it is too early to draw definitive conclusions.
The changes in fines for traffic violations were implemented from January 1, 2025, following the signing of the relevant law by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the end of December 2024. The discount for paying a fine was reduced from 50% to 25%, and the period for using the discount was increased from 20 to 30 days after the issuance of the fine.
It's important to note that recent data from Russian authorities indicates that road accidents and fatalities continue to occur at significant rates in 2025, with daily reports of hundreds of accidents and dozens of casualties. There is no direct evidence from the available search results that the decrease in traffic violations in Russia during the first half of 2025 has been primarily due to increased fines, reduction in fine discounts, or disabling of some road cameras.
Experts remain divided on the primary factors contributing to the decrease in traffic violations. While some attribute it to the recent changes in fines and camera enforcement, others suggest that other factors, such as increased public awareness or improved road conditions, may be at play.
The statement was reported by "Kommersant". As the data for the full year becomes available, further insights into the factors driving the decrease in traffic violations in Russia are expected to emerge.
Despite the decrease in traffic violations across Russia in the first half of 2025, sports enthusiasts might question how this change could potentially impact participation in outdoor activities like cycling or jogging, as these activities sharing roads with vehicular traffic may inadvertently expose participants to lowered risks due to the decrease in traffic violations. On the other hand, some individuals may view the recent increase in fines for traffic violations as a deterrent not only for reckless driving but also for engaging in active sports that require using public roadways.
