Strict enforcement: forthcoming fines and prohibitions expected in Russia starting autumn 2025
As of September 1, 2022, Russia is implementing a series of changes to its traffic regulations and fines, with a more comprehensive overhaul scheduled for January 1, 2025. These measures aim to enhance safety on Russian roads and promote regulatory compliance.
One of the most notable changes is the increased fine for not giving way to emergency service vehicles, even without special markings. From September 1, the fine will rise to 7,500 rubles. In addition, traffic police vehicles will be equipped with new cameras that can detect violations and identify wanted vehicles or drivers without licenses.
Another significant change is the increased penalty for riding pit bikes on regular roads, which will now cost 30,000 rubles. Drivers are also required to not only yield but also to change lanes and maintain a safe distance from emergency service vehicles. In exceptional cases, violators who do not give way to emergency service vehicles may face a one-year license suspension.
Starting September, Moscow will tighten car-sharing rules. To rent a car in Moscow's car-sharing program, users will need to complete a verification process on mos.ru. This process is intended to help quickly identify drivers in case of accidents and block repeat offenders. Users renting cars will also have to confirm their details.
The State Duma is currently discussing an increase in fines for loud exhausts, which may increase tenfold to 5,000 rubles. The list of medical restrictions for obtaining a driving license has also been expanded, prohibiting people with severe mental disorders, epilepsy, serious vision impairments, and other conditions from driving.
From January 1, 2025, Russia will implement significant increases in fines for a variety of traffic violations. Seatbelt violation and running a red light fines will increase from 1,000 to 1,500 rubles, while repeated running of a red light penalty will rise sharply to 7,500 rubles. Driving under the influence fines will increase from 30,000 to 45,000 rubles.
Speeding fines will range between 750 and 7,500 rubles, up from a previous 500 to 5,000 rubles band, depending on how much the speed limit is exceeded. Fines will also increase for driving in oncoming lanes, tram tracks, roadsides, ignoring road signs, refusing medical examination, and rules violations regarding stopping or parking. Fines for improper vehicle positioning on the carriageway or crossing transport or pedestrian columns will also rise.
The period allowing a fine payment discount will extend from 20 to 30 days, but the discount is reduced from 50% to 25% within that window. These changes reflect Russia's broader trend of tightening traffic law enforcement and increasing penalties to improve road safety and regulatory compliance in 2025.
It is advised for drivers to familiarize themselves with the changes in traffic regulations to avoid issues. The new procedure effective from July 26, 2025, regarding yielding to vehicles with flashing lights requires drivers to move to the next lane or roadside and is prohibited from moving at equal speed or overtaking such vehicles in adjacent lanes. Fines for violating these rules remain up to 7,500 rubles but are expected to be increased soon.
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