Russia Consideres Changes to Driving Rules: Digital Medical Records, Vehicle Eligibility, and Residency-Linked Licenses
The Duma’s profile committee recommended that parliament approve two bills in the first reading that would adjust how citizens obtain and hold driving privileges. The proposals aim to modernize procedures and tighten certain eligibility standards, with officials outlining potential impacts on both residents and visitors.
A key change would convert medical certificates into an electronic format. Paper copies would no longer be required for traffic police checks. All relevant health data would be entered into the Ministry of Health’s database, and traffic authorities could retrieve information upon request. This move, reported by Kommersant, is intended to streamline verification while maintaining medical oversight for drivers.
Under the new framework, if a health issue is detected during a medical examination at a hospital or clinic — such as visual impairment, epilepsy, or problematic alcohol use — the driver would be subject to an extraordinary re-check. If the individual fails to pass the re-examination or if the disease is confirmed, the traffic police would have the authority to revoke driving privileges for that person.
A second major aspect addresses the types of vehicles eligible for operation. Specifically, categories D and D1 (minibus) would require drivers to have at least one year of prior driving experience in a car or truck before being allowed to operate them. This condition is designed to ensure that drivers possess a suitable level of practical experience before handling larger passenger vehicles.
Additionally, the bills propose a rule affecting foreign nationals: those who hold a residence permit in the Russian Federation or a Russian passport would be obliged to exchange their home-country driving rights for Russian licenses within one year of obtaining their permit or passport. This measure would align foreign licensing with national standards and facilitate license verification across authorities.
Another proposed amendment would add a five-year recertification requirement for truck and taxi drivers to confirm ongoing qualifications. This addition, if adopted, would formalize periodic testing to ensure that professional drivers maintain up-to-date competencies in line with evolving safety norms.
The first reading of the bills was scheduled for mid-November, with discussions anticipated to cover the scope and practical implementation of these changes. Observers note that such reforms could affect how driving records are managed, how medical conditions are monitored, and how foreign-affiliated licenses are recognized within the national system. These topics have drawn attention from industry groups and civil society organizations concerned with road safety, data privacy, and equal access to transportation.
Experts emphasize that any transition to electronic medical records for traffic verification would require robust data protection measures and clear procedures for data access. They also point to the importance of transparent criteria for extraordinary checks and the safeguards in place to prevent unjust license suspension. The evolving policy landscape signals a broader push toward digital governance in transport administration, while balancing public health and safety obligations with individual rights. The public and professionals will be watching closely as lawmakers weigh the benefits of streamlined processes against the need for rigorous oversight and fairness across all driver categories.
As the legislative process unfolds, authorities unlikely to overlook the practical implications of these changes for driving schools, licensing centers, and the daily experiences of both citizens and foreign residents. The outcome of the first reading will set the tone for subsequent discussions, potential amendments, and the eventual path toward second and third readings.
Supporters argue that digital records, clearer restrictions on vehicle categories, and standardized licensing for foreigners could reduce administrative friction and improve road safety. Critics, however, caution about privacy concerns, the potential for inconsistent interpretation of medical data, and the challenges of implementing cross-border licensing policies. The debate, expected to continue through the committee hearings, will likely address coordination between health, transport, and immigration authorities, along with the practical steps required to implement such sweeping changes.
In summary, the proposed reforms cover digital documentation for medical eligibility, stricter prerequisites for operating larger passenger vehicles, and a framework to unify foreign driving credentials with national standards. The bills also introduce periodic recertification for certain professional drivers. With the first reading on the horizon, observers and stakeholders await concrete details on timing, enforcement, and how these changes will affect everyday drivers and international visitors alike based on official summaries and expert commentary. [Kommersant]